Since the pads have come on, both Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones are beginning to find a groove within the Colts’ offense.
Westfield, IN — The weather isn’t the only thing heating up at Grand Park Sports Campus. Both quarterbacks have stacked strong showings to kick off the full-padded practices and can attribute their consistency to a run-heavy script over the past two days.
The starting defense manned by defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo is by no means making it easy on them either. A respectable defense at the very least, they’ve tried to win each team session just as much as the offense has. Prior to Monday’s practice, the defense had dominated the offense through three practices.
As of recent, Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones have found some footing within the offense and are finally getting their licks back, notably doing so at an efficient rate. With my focus being on the offense, here are my notes from the second padded practice (and sixth altogether):
QB Competition
Following yesterday’s run-heavy day, which resulted in both Colts quarterbacks having efficient days through the air, Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones responded with another such showing. Neither quarterback threw an interception during team periods today, and both remained consistent overall.
Starting with the first Goal Line team period of training camp thus far, Anthony Richardson led the starters to paydirt two separate times after starting the period with two playcalls that more or less used rookie tight end Tyler Warren as a decoy — a shovel pass for minimal gain after it looked like it was intended for Warren, and then motioning him for the lead block on the play after. The two touchdowns in question were both in stride to Michael Pittman Jr. and Mo Alie-Cox. His next 11-on-11 period near midfield saw his first miscommunication with Warren, though it also provided us with the first Warren carry from the fullback position. Richardson finished that period strong, completing both of his pass attempts on quick-hitters to Michael Pittman Jr.
Richardson then took this momentum and ran with it during his only 7-on-7 session with the starters. He went 5-6 through the air during this period, where he honed in the short game for all of his completions; the lone incompletion was a true 50-50 ball to Alec Pierce downfield that was broken up by Samuel Womack III.
His last two 11-on-11 sessions were a night-and-day difference. Richardson followed this 7-on-7 period with a perfect showing with the starters, rushing for a touchdown and going 3-3 through the air, capping the session with a patient find (great OL play) to Josh Downs on a deep in-breaker in the back of the end zone for the score. Finally, there was the rocky conclusion to an otherwise stellar day for the third-year quarterback. Richardson’s day ended on a low note alongside the second team during their last 7-on-7 session. His biggest mistake personally was fumbling perhaps for the first time all camp on the first play of the session in question. After that, it was an all-around bad effort from the second team: Richardson was just off the mark on a shot to Ashton Dulin, Adonai Mitchell dropped the next attempt, and then linebacker Austin Ajiake batted Richardson’s last attempt down after gaining leverage on the running back who picked him up. Aside from the lackluster end to his day, Anthony Richardson once again stacked a strong showing.
Daniel Jones was just as efficient on Tuesday, completing 7 of his 10 passes throughout the 11-on-11 team periods. Starting with the second team offense and concluding with the starters, Jones was regularly throwing the ball near the line of scrimmage. His first 11-on-11 period of the day was entirely comprised of WR screens to Anthony Gould, while his second session with the starters was marred by typical Jones mishaps — a late throw on an in-breaker to Michael Pittman Jr. and a would-be sack that he flicked to Jonathan Taylor in the flats for the completion. His last 11-on-11 session of the day, also with the starters, saw his first pass attempt in such a period to travel more than 10 air yards, a rope to a corner-breaking Josh Downs 20 yards up the left sideline. Jones also added a rushing score on the day.
The biggest and most obvious difference in Daniel Jones as a passer is evident when observing his quarterbacking in both the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 sessions. During the former, Jones’ passing talent is much more apparent. No pass rush allows Jones to read and react swiftly, oftentimes showcasing his arm talent that is otherwise locked away. When you get into the full 11-on-11 team periods, that’s when you actively see Jones’ processing be sped up for him. His timing is opposite amongst these periods, looking like a potential franchise guy in 7-on-7 while panicking in the full game simulations. So yes, Jones has been stacking efficient days, but his and Richardson’s showings are not created equal. I wouldn’t say that Richardson is simply running away with this competition, but he’s certainly warranted the excitement of what might just be brewing. More than anything, it’s Richardson’s job to lose.
Offense
- When it comes to chemistry, both quarterbacks have seemingly found their go-to targets. While Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones have found Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs on numerous occasions throughout camp, each has developed some rapport with separate passcatchers. Not attempting to be hyperbolic, but Richardson seems to have upwards of an 80-90% completion percentage to the rookie tight end, while the same could be said for Daniel Jones and second-year wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. The most damning thing is that these quarterbacks have the inverse of luck with the other passcatcher in question. Potentially a mere coincidence, but one I felt inclined to point out.
- Speaking of Mitchell, aside from his chemistry with Jones, he’s now stacked back-to-back strong showings after a plethora of mishaps — drops, slips, fumbles — haunted him for the first week of practice. As soon as the pads came on, it was as if Mitchell regained some confidence in himself. Another second-year wide receiver is also impressing throughout camp. The primary kick and punt returner, Anthony Gould, has had a strong camp thus far, operating as the second team’s security blanket behind Josh Downs.
- HC Shane Steichen brought rookie TE Tyler Warren over to the QBs/RBs individual period so that Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones could simulate a handoff to him from the fullback spot. Warren was used at fullback a handful of times in the team periods to follow, carrying the ball for 5 yards once, and being a motioned lead-blocker in the run game for the other two instances.
- The main offensive line today was as follows: Bernhard Raimann (LT), Quenton Nelson (LG), Danny Pinter (C), Matt Goncalves (RG), Braden Smith (RT)
Miscellaneous
- Grover Stewart threw Jonathan Taylor down after meeting him in the C gap, and Taylor did NOT appreciate that. Laiatu Latu kept Taylor from escalating the situation, while Quenton Nelson had a few choice words for Stewart. DL Tyquan Lewis also laid out RB Salvon Ahmed at one point.
- Rookie QB Riley Leonard just uncorked one 50+ yards to DJ Montgomery in stride for a TD that sent the crowd into a frenzy. A beautiful deep ball that hung in the air long enough to marvel at.
- Jaylon Jones and JuJu Brents left practice with hamstring injuries. Brents walked off on his own power while Jones went down during a 1-on-1 rep and had to be carted off the field. Rookie CB Justin Walley becomes the presumed starter in the meantime (though he was already taking his fair share of reps).
- Zaire Franklin is ramping up his rehab, practiced on the side for a bit with his helmet today — the first time he’s done that all camp.
- Rookie RB DJ Giddens still has the juice. Broke one off for a big gain and potential touchdown thanks to his patience, cuts, and acceleration.
- Kwity Paye and Laiatu Latu are cashing in promising pass-rush days. A combined would-be sack today with a couple of other pressures during team periods.
