Colts’ LB Zaire Franklin shared his thoughts on the team’s starting quarterback decision.
After Shane Steichen made the decision on Tuesday that Daniel Jones would be the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback, linebacker Zaire Franklin spoke with the media on Wednesday and shared his thoughts on the competition.
“Both those guys battled and competed,” Franklin said. “I definitely felt like they both was handling it the right way–Anthony and Daniel. They both was just going about they work. Obviously, they got two different personality types, but I can see them pushing and making each other better, which was best for the team.
“Honestly, just from my point of view and seeing a lot from them, I feel like this team is ready to go. This locker room is ready to go. I think we believe a lot in ourselves, who we are as a team.”
From the jump this offseason, Shane Steichen has said that the most consistent quarterback would win the starting job. Jones ended up completing more passes during training camp than Anthony Richardson, but as Steichen described, there were numerous factors that went into this decision, including ball placement, checks at the line of scrimmage, protection calls, and the overall operation of the offense.
Richardson certainly showcased improvement in those areas. After focusing on the short to intermediate throws during his offseason by prioritizing his footwork, we saw Richardson’s efficiency on such passes this summer increase.
His overall command of the offense was greatly improved as well, and several teammates also noted Richardson’s preparation this offseason as well.
However, as Steichen would mention, continued development from Richardson in those areas is also still needed.
Steichen also made it clear that Jones is the starter for the 2025 season. The plan isn’t to switch back and forth between the two quarterbacks.
“We just trusted Shane to make a decision,” added Franklin, “and whoever he gave the keys to the car to, that’s going to put us in the best position to win. But that’s not to say we don’t believe in Anthony. I am a firm believer in who he is and the type of player he is capable of being.
“Every situation is an opportunity for growth, just gotta use it like that and continue to grow and we going to continue to grow and get better.”
