Former Vikings QB Could Score the Upset
It’s one of the few and arguably highest-profile quarterback competitions in the NFL this summer.
One ex-Vikings signal-caller may have the oomph to score the upset in a quarterback battle this summer.
And it involves former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones.
Jones, who spent a couple of months in Minnesota last season, will go head-to-head with third-year passer Anthony Richardson at Indianapolis Colts’ training camp in July, and according to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, one of the most respected men in NFL media, Jones might win the damn thing.
Bill Barnwell on Daniel Jones’ Role in Colts QB Competition
Barnwell opined on the Colts’ quarterback battle on the way this summer: “For whatever benefits playing in Minnesota brings, it’s inarguable that Jones has a clearer path to getting on the field in Indianapolis. While the Vikings clearly prioritized McCarthy in last year’s draft before a season-ending meniscus injury — in case you forgot, he was battling with Darnold to be the starter — the Colts hardly seem thrilled with 2023 No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson.”
Richardson was actually gently linked to the Vikings during the build-up to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Barnwell added, “There are reasons to be optimistic about Jones. He was miscast as a $40 million quarterback in New York, but he can be an accurate passer in rhythm and should be able to handle Steichen’s RPO calls. Running back Jonathan Taylor finished the season strong, racking up 627 rushing yards and six scores over the final four games.”
“And the Colts added tight end Tyler Warren to a group of pass catchers who get open more often than their numbers suggest. Whether through injury or benching, it seems likely Richardson will give way to Jones at some point this season. Jones will have to stay healthy and consistent to keep that opportunity.”
Now or Never for Anthony Richardson
Indianapolis picked Richardson two years ago as its grand quarterback plan for the future. The physically freakish athlete has displayed moments of promise but struggled to put all facets of the job together.
Steichen benched Richardson last year for a few games in favor of Flacco, a sobering message to help kickstart Richardson’s development.
Now, entering Year No. 3, Richardson has Jones breathing down his neck, and if Jones claims the QB1 job, Richardson’s career trajectory could hit life support.
Colts Head Coach Might Have to Win Now
Why would Jones have the inside track at QB1? Well, he might offer a wiser solution to win games this season, and Steichen may not have time to finish 6-11, for example, with Richardson still maturing.
Jones, on the other hand, is fully developed, and what you see is what you get.
If Steichen believes Jones has the special sauce to contend for the AFC South, he’ll get the nod to avoid Steichen’s placement on the hot seat.
Daniel Jones’ Awkward Place in Vikings History
The Giants cut Jones loose last year during the middle of the season, a split welcomed by both parties. He landed in Minnesota, and many believed he’d re-sign with the Vikings as a backup quarterback to J.J. McCarthy this season.
But Jones reportedly didn’t want an automatic QB2 assignment in Minnesota, so he picked Indianapolis, where he could potentially steal Richardson’s job, and here we are — with ESPN articles like Barnwell’s hinting at his insertion in the starting lineup.
Jones never threw a pass as a Viking, but he did wear the colors. His spot in Vikings history is unique. Just a pit stop.
More from Barnwell on Colts
Barnwell added more context on Richardson: “He was benched for Joe Flacco last season after briefly asking out of a game. And while his average pass traveled more than 2.0 yards in the air further than any other regular starter, his 47.7% completion percentage was the worst in NFL history after adjusting for era among passers with a minimum of 200 attempts.”
“He started his season with one of the best pure throws you’ll ever see a quarterback make, then routinely missed open receivers throughout the rest of the season. Coach Shane Steichen and the Colts will hope Jones can hit some of those open receivers, but he shouldn’t be considered a plug-and-play replacement. Richardson has been asked to attack downfield in Indy’s offense, but that was never Jones’ forte in New York.”
Barnwell also mentioned Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, two offensive linemen pilfered by the Vikings during free agency.
“The Colts lost a pair of starters on the interior in Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, both of whom signed with the Vikings. Kelly had slipped from his peak and Fries missed most of last season with a broken tibia, but Indianapolis didn’t add other options besides rookie fourth-round pick Jalen Travis,” Barnwell continued.
“He profiles as a project and a potential swing tackle behind Braden Smith, who was being treated for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder last season.”
So, either Jones or Richardson will have to make do with a revised Colts offensive line that may not necessarily be improved.
And there’s a reasonable chance that Jones scores the upset.
49ers Sign Former Vikings WR
You must be logged in to post a comment.