A quarterback battle, a revamped defense, and a rising rookie tight end. The Indianapolis Colts entered training camp at Grand Park with more questions than answers, but a few weeks in, some trends are beginning to take shape. Here’s what we’ve seen so far.
No Separation in the QB Battle (Yet)
GettyQB Daniel Jones Outperforms Expectations
The biggest question is who will be the starting QB: Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones? Both quarterbacks have flashed at times like when Richardson hit Ashton Dulin and Adonai Mitchell for long touchdowns or when Jones answered with a deep ball of his own to Mitchell on a free play.
GM Chris Ballard remains focused on the long term picture, particularly when it comes to Richardson. “Sometimes you’ve got to have patience and let a guy grow,” Ballard said.
“Everybody knows I can throw deep,” Richardson said, “but the short stuff helps us move the ball.” Last Friday may have been his most complete day in that area, completing 8 of 11 passes in a rhythm that’s eluded him in past camps.
Still, the job isn’t locked up. Richardson may be the future, but head coach Shane Steichen has maintained the reps will be split until someone earns it. “We want to be explosive offensively,” Steichen said. “And we’ve seen flashes of that.”
Breakouts, Injuries & A Rookie Tight End to Watch
GettyTE Tyler Warren is Turning Heads
While the quarterbacks continue to battle, one offensive player has already separated himself: first round tight end Tyler Warren. The Penn State product made the catch of camp with a one handed grab over linebacker Jaylon Carlies and has quietly shown consistent hands throughout.
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter praised Warren’s focus in contested situations, saying, “He’s a very uniquely talented, uniquely skilled young man… That’s what you need in this league. Coverage is going to be tight. The passes are going to have to be in different areas. You’re going to have to make some of those tough, strong handed catches and really focus on finishing.”
The Colts are hoping he becomes an immediate red zone factor, especially with Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce both missing time. Pittman left Tuesday’s practice with a groin injury, while Pierce has been dealing with a foot blister. That’s given more reps to Ashton Dulin and Adonai Mitchell.
On the ground, rookie RB DJ Giddens has turned heads with his vision and cutback ability. He’s viewed as a third down complement to Jonathan Taylor, who’s still the starter but doesn’t offer much in the passing game. “He’s kind of a glider,” Steichen said of Giddens. “He’s got good burst, good vision. The stretch cut stuff on the outside zones have been really impressive last week and today in pads. Really looking forward to his progress.”
Injuries have created major concerns in the secondary. Cornerback Jaylon Jones, who started all 17 games last season, was carted off with a hamstring injury that appears serious. JuJu Brents is already sidelined, and Pro Bowl DT DeForest Buckner is dealing with a foot issue.
The Colts haven’t won a season opener in over a decade, and they’ve faded late in the season too often to ignore. So Steichen has ramped up the situational work (sudden change periods, long drive drills, red zone scrimmages) with the goal of turning Indianapolis into a team that starts fast and finishes stronger.
This is still a young team with new pieces and uneven execution. But there’s more urgency and accountability than in previous years. And if that carries into August, the Colts may finally be ready to flip the script.
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