It looks like Daniel Jones is starting to fit in well with his new team.
During the Colts’ first day of organized team activities on Wednesday, Jones, 28, put on an impressive performance amid a quarterback showdown with Anthony Richardson.
In a video shared by reporters at the Colts’ first day of OTAs, both Jones and Richardson were seen completing short passes during drills, with the latter extending out for some more downfield throws.
Jones, who signed with the Colts in the offseason, and Richardson also participated in four segments of 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills on Wednesday, with the playing time evenly split between the two quarterbacks.
Richardson, 23, took reps during the first two sessions, and the ex-Giants QB stepped up during the final half of the drills.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen explained the system of how the pair will complete their reps during OTAs, saying that it will be an “open competition” between Jones and Richardson.
“We’re breaking down the reps,” Steichen told reporters. “They are both getting one reps. They’re both getting two reps. I think through OTAs, we’ve got nine good practices. They’ll both get about 170 reps a piece with those guys, with the ones and twos, and we’ll flip-flop them. You guys were out there today. You saw how it worked, and that’s how it’s going to go.”
Steichen elaborated on why the two will not alternate days, saying the reason is how the team’s practice is set up.
“Just the way the practice is set up,” Steichen said. “So, we have like first- [and] second-down day, then we have a third-down day. So we don’t want one guy getting all the third-down reps with the ones. So, we’re going to flip it that way, and then we go to a red zone day. It’s the same reason.”
Richardson, who was drafted by the Colts with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, started eleven games for Indianapolis last season, with Steichen telling reporters that he has noticed some improvement over the past two years.
“I think every year the fundamentals and technique continue to get better, and obviously we’re working through those,” Steichen said, “but I’ve seen strides in that area over the past — since this spring and into practice today.”