Steichen’s Strong Praise: Daniel Jones Doing a ‘Hell of a Job’ for Colts

Indianapolis, IN – The Colts have just finished their mandatory minicamp. While fans are focused on Anthony Richardson’s recovery, another story is starting to stand out which is Daniel Jones is turning heads. The veteran quarterback looked sharp and confident in early practices who joined the team this offseason. Head Coach Shane Steichen, who’s known for being straight to the point, praised Jones highly. He didn’t hold back, saying Jones has been “doing a hell of a job.” That strong praise shows just how well Jones is fitting in so far.

This strong endorsement from a coach such as Steichen carries considerable weight. In the harsh world of the NFL, positive affirmations from a head coach, particularly for a quarterback vying for a starting position are not taken lightly. It demonstrates a real conviction in Jones’ abilities and his smooth absorption into the Colts’ scheme during the critical early stages of the summer program.

A Veteran’s Impact: Why Steichen is So Pleased

Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts this offseason to bring veteran experience and push young quarterback Anthony Richardson. The team sees Richardson as the future but he is still growing and currently out with a shoulder injury. This gives opportunity for Jones to step in and take most of the first-team snaps during OTAs and minicamp. So far, he made the most of it, showing leadership and solid play. His presence gives the Colts a reliable option and creates healthy competition at the quarterback spot heading into the 2025 season.

Steichen’s praise highlights several key areas where Daniel Jones has excelled:

• Intelligence and Quick Learning: “Really smart football player. Learned the offense very quickly,” Coach Steichen said about Jones. That shows his focus and sharpness. Ability to think, understand and act fast is just as important as throwing or running well—especially for a quarterback leading the offense in NFL. Decision-Making: Coach Steichen said Jones has been “making really good decisions” during OTAs, which is a big deal for any quarterback—especially one learning a new team and system. Being smart with the ball, avoiding mistakes, and staying calm under pressure are key signs that a quarterback is on the right track.
• Command in the Huddle: “Great command in the huddle. Ultimate pro,” Coach Steichen said, highlighting Jones’s strong leadership. With six years in the NFL, Jones knows how to lead and talk clearly with teammates. He’s building trust and chemistry, which is very important for a quarterback to keep the offense working smoothly.
• Work Ethic: The coach praised Jones by saying that he “works at it, grinds at it,”. this is showing his seriousness on the improvement. This kind of hard work and dedication means a lot to coaches. It proves that Jones is focused, committed, and eager to succeed in the system.

These comments paint a picture of a quarterback who is not just performing well on the field but also embodying the professionalism and dedication that Head Coach Shane Steichen wants for his team.

The Looming Quarterback Battle: Richardson’s Recovery and Jones’s Ascent

Quarterback Colts situation is one of the more interesting storylines heading into the 2025 season. Anthony Richardson, their talented second-year QB, is still recovering from a shoulder injury and had to miss minicamp. Head coach Shane Steichen says the injury isn’t serious, and Richardson isn’t expected to need surgery—he should be ready by training camp. But in the meantime, backup QB Matt Jones played well during minicamp, which adds a bit of drama to the starting job. Richardson may still be the favorite, but things just got more complicated.

With Anthony Richardson out, Jones has had a great chance to lead the Colts’ offense and build strong connections with key players like wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and rookie tight end Tyler Warren. Minicamp reports say Jones has looked calm and in control. He is doing well in different drills especially during two-minute situations. He’s been getting the ball out fast and isn’t scared to throw deep when there’s a chance. So far, he’s using his practice time well and showing good progress.

The question has shifted from, “Will Richardson be ready?” to, “Can Jones truly challenge for the Week 1 starting job?” While Richardson’s raw skill and huge upside are evident, Jones’ veteran savvy and quick integration into Steichen’s system have given him a significant advantage. If Richardson’s recuperation is prolonged, or if Jones continues to impress at training camp with the same level of consistency, the Colts may face a true dilemma..

Shane Steichen’s Philosophy: Maximizing Talent and Adaptability

Shane Steichen’s coaching style is all about “throw to score and run to win,” and he builds his offense around what his quarterback does best. He showed this with Jalen Hurts in Philly and again last season with Gardner Minshew after Anthony Richardson got hurt in Indy.

Jones doing well at minicamp shows and might be a good fit for Steichen’s system. He is picking up the things fast, making smart choices and showing good control of the offense. That’s a big plus, especially since Steichen is known for helping quarterbacks succeed by playing to their strengths.

What Lies Ahead: Training Camp and Beyond

Minicamps gave us a good look, but the real test starts in training camp. Once Anthony Richardson is healthy, he will get every chance to win back the starting job. Still, Daniel Jones has made a strong early impression. He is not just filling in however he is competing and showing the coaches what he can do.

The next few months will be key. Jones may hold private throwing sessions with teammates to keep building chemistry before camp. Meanwhile, Richardson is ready to complete as he focus on healing and learning the playbook again.

The Colts’ quarterback battle is shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines of the preseason. With Coach Shane Steichen speaking highly of Jones, this competition adds real drama to Indy’s 2025 season hopes. Fans will be watching closely.