The 8 best quotes on the Colts decision to start Daniel Jones

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced that Daniel Jones will be the starting quarterback for the season.

Jones was in a competition with Anthony Richardson Sr. for the starting quarterback job throughout the offseason and training camp.

Here are 8 of the best quotes on the decision to name Jones the starting quarterback:

1. Steichen on what factored into the decision

“You guys heard me talk about the consistency, and that’s really what I was looking for. Really the operation at the line of scrimmage, the checks, the protection, the ball placement, the completion percentage, I think all that played a factor in it. I think Daniel did a great job doing that and I think AR has made strides in that area, but I do feel that he needs to continue to develop in those areas.”

2. Steichen on why he made the decision now

“We got three weeks before our first game and I think it’s fair to the team that they know who their starting quarterback is going to be and they get those reps this week in practice and the following week and getting into game week so there’s just clarity at that position.”

3. Jones on being named the starter for the season

“I understand this league and how it works. You’ve got to perform at a high level week in and week out and that’s certainly what I expect of myself.”

4. Jones on his reaction to being named starter

“Obviously I was excited. I’m excited for the opportunity. As a competitor, you want to be on the field and that’s why you work. So I’m excited and looking forward to getting out there. I think we have a good football team and we put in a lot of work.”

5. Richardson on if he was surprised by the QB decision

“I guess you could say somewhat surprised, but at the end of the day, we all knew somebody was going to have to be on this end of the stick, and it was me. I feel like I did improve. My improvement was there. But there’s still ways I can improve. There’s still ways I can become a better player, become a starter in this league. So I feel like I did a decent job at improving but there’s still a lot more I can do.”

6. AD Mitchell on Jones’ work ethic

“Smart football player. Very demanding at quarterback. He’ll kind of tell you what he wants you to do and it’s an open dialogue there. His work ethic is phenomenal, so just looking forward to carrying that through the season.”

7. Steichen on why he believes the Colts can win with Jones

“I think that he’s proven that he’s played good football in that 2022 season. He had a hell of a year that year. I think that was the highest completion rate in Giants franchise history that season. He’s proven to do it. I know he’s had his ups and downs but everyone’s journey is different and feel confident in his abilities.”

Jones had a completion percentage of 67.2% in 2022. He threw for 3,205 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed for over 700 yards and seven touchdown.

He helped lead the Giants to the Divisional Round of the playoffs, beating the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round.

8. Michael Pittman Jr. on the quarterback decision

“I think that both quarterbacks competed their tails off and it’s tough because it’s competition. There can’t be both. We feel for both of them and we are excited for Daniel and then we’re going to pick up Ant. We’re going to make sure he keeps on moving in the right direction because you never know.”

The Colts kick off the regular season against the Miami Dolphins at 1 p.m. at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, September 7.

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