Kay Adams of the ‘Up and Adams Show’ was recently at Indianapolis Colts training camp, where she interviewed several players, including defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
Of course, among the topics discussed was the quarterback competition and what Buckner has seen from Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.
“They’re competing and that’s the biggest thing,” Buckner said “They both came in prepared and ready to go. They’re working together. They celebrate each other, even though they’re in competition and that’s what you love to see. Healthy competition and they’re both getting equal reps.
“At the end of the day, the coaches are going to make the decision and the team is going to rally behind whoever it is. We only know whoever the next guy is, he’s going to stay ready. Shouldn’t be a problem moving forward.”
Throughout training camp, Jones and Richardson have been alternating series with the first team offense to ensure there are equal reps with each unit.
In the preseason opener, Jones would end up playing 31 snaps on offense after Richardson exited the game. He completed 10-of-21 passes for 144 yards.
It was a very all-or-nothing showing, meaning that if Jones and the passing game were able to generate a chunk play, the Colts offense found itself in scoring position. But without that explosive play, drives quickly stalled out.
In Week 2 of the preseason, Jones will get the start, which was the original plan, except now he will play just a few series before Richardson takes over and plays for the majority of the first half.
Both quarterbacks are coming off efficient performances in the latest practices, but the preseason games are going to carry more weight.
As Shane Steichen has said, the Colts are looking for the most consistent player. That doesn’t only refer to completion rate, but also the overall operation of the offense and preparation on a day-to-day basis.
“We get to see two different guys,” Buckner said of competing against Jones and Richardson. “Two different looks. Obviously they have similar play styles. Obviously DJ can still run the ball and everything like that. This league, there are a lot of mobile quarterbacks this day and age. Nobody is back there being a statue. It keeps us prepared, on our feet, especially in the passing game.
“As a D-line, keeping our rushing lanes, making sure we have the quarterback contained and not leaving big passing lanes open. They both provide that for us and when they rollout, they both have a big arm and they both can make those downfield throws.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: DeForest Buckner evaluates Colts’ QB competition between Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
