Anthony Richardson Says He's 'Gotta Respect' Colts' Decision to Name Daniel Jones QB1

Indianapolis Colts' backup quarterback Anthony Richardson spoke to reporters on Tuesday about the team's decision to name Daniel Jones the starting quarterback after the pair battled for that role during training camp.

"Just gotta respect the decision. They feel like he's a better fit with the team. Better fit for the outcome of us winning. So you just gotta respect it and keep working," Richardson said. "That doesn't undermine any of the work I've been putting in. That doesn't say I haven't improved. I'm proud of the improvement I've made. [Head coach Shane Steichen] has also been proud of that. So you just gotta keep stacking on that, keep getting better."

Richardson remains an electric talent, but consistency and durability have been huge issues early in his career. Across two seasons and just 15 games, he's thrown for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, completing just 50.6 percent of his passes.

While his ability to run the ball effectively mitigates some of the concerns about his struggles through the air (635 yards, 10 touchdowns), it has also subjected him to big hits and injuries.

Surely the Colts would have loved Richardson to make a huge leap this summer and seize the starting gig. His upside is tantalizing. But from the moment the team signed Jones and announced they would hold a true quarterback battle, it was clear that the team were done giving Richardson the benefit of the doubt. He was going to have to win the job, and the Colts decided he didn't do that this summer.

Granted, Richardson could still reclaim the starting job at some point. Jones has never proven to be anything more than a mediocre quarterback at the NFL level, and Richardson is a few Jones' clunkers—or an injury—away from getting another shot.

Granted, Steichen indicated that Tuesday's decision isn't one he'll go back on lightly.

"He's the starting quarterback for the season," he told reporters regarding Jones. "I don't want to have a short leash on that."

The Colts still have Richardson under contract for the next two seasons, plus a potential fifth-year option after that, so his demotion this season doesn't mean his time in Indianapolis is over. But whatever strides Richardson did take this summer need to continue in earnest.