WESTFIELD, Ind.-- Anthony Richardson, the former Florida Gators quarterback and fourth overall NFL Draft pick, is engaged in a fierce battle for the Indianapolis Colts’ starting quarterback position, a situation he embraces with unwavering determination. Despite being initially entrusted with the franchise’s future, Richardson now faces a compelling challenge, fueled by a belief in his own abilities regardless of the competition. "Even if they brought Tom Brady in here, he’s the greatest, but I’d just have to work and try to beat him out," Richardson stated emphatically to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, highlighting his competitive spirit and refusal to concede an inch. This "me versus me" scenario underscores Richardson’s ambition and commitment to earning his place as the team’s leader. The competition isn’t solely against a legendary figure like Brady; third-year gunslinger Daniel Jones, previously given the keys to the New York Giants, also presents a significant hurdle. Indianapolis has listed both quarterbacks as starters for Thursday’s preseason matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, utilizing an "or" designation on the unofficial depth chart, reflecting the close nature of the contest. This strategic move underscores the Colts’ recognition of the intense rivalry between Richardson and Jones. The underlying theme of the competition centers on stability and consistent performance, a priority emphasized by head coach Shane Steichen. Steichen stated, "I think the operation, the consistency on a day-to-day basis," highlighting the need for a reliable quarterback who can execute effectively. Beyond simply taking care of the football, Steichen identified key areas of focus: "Obviously, knowing the situation, taking care of the football, being smart, and finding completions. We gotta make sure our offense is moving at a high rate up and down the field."

Richardson acknowledges shortcomings from his previous season, admitting, "I didn’t do enough [last year]. That was the big thing for me. I wanted to take a deeper dive on myself and what I needed to improve on." This self-assessment has driven Richardson to a rigorous offseason, focused on refining his mechanics and enhancing his accuracy, a recurring issue that has hampered his progress. "I told myself, 'I can’t be slacking anymore. I’ve got to lock in.’"

The upcoming preseason game against the Ravens represents Richardson’s latest opportunity to demonstrate his progress and solidify his position. Steichen anticipates the game, stating, "Both are going to play in this game. I haven’t had a chance to talk to them about who’s starting, but I’ll address that with them tonight." Steichen’s desire to communicate directly with the quarterbacks underscores the importance of this competition and the coach’s strategic approach. Ultimately, Richardson’s journey is about more than just securing a starting role; it’s about proving his value and establishing himself as a consistent, high-performing quarterback capable of leading the Colts’ offense. The preseason game against the Ravens serves as a critical test, where Richardson’s dedication and improvements will be directly evaluated, shaping the future of the Colts’ quarterback situation and potentially launching him toward a successful NFL career. The Colts kickoff their preseason Thursday night, Aug. 7, at 7 p.m., with Richardson getting another chance to grab the starting job before opening day.