“Both of them competed, professionals, fought to the end and at the end of the day Daniel won the job,” Ballard told reporters. “It means we’re down to Anthony? No, but I don’t want to say that Daniel – he had a good run here. Reminds me a lot of Alex Smith we had in Kansas City, which I just thought was the perfect pro of day and day out.
“I’ve said this many times; I don’t agree with that. I think they to overcome the challenges and obstacles along the way are good for anyone, I do. I am proud of Anthony, because where he is, how far he has come. He is miles.
Colts have repeatedly leaned on “professionalism” and “actions” as buzzwords when they explained what they appreciate in their team manager, a battle that Jones won despite not playing better than Richardson in season. The latest mention of such professionalism in Jones – and how Richardson can benefit from monitoring it – suggests that the Colts do not yet believe Richardson is mature enough to cope with the initial role.
The time behind Jones could help Richardson in this league. However, it is not guaranteed and in a period that puts a lot of pressure on Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen, Indianapolis could not afford to send a team manager who they think is not professional enough to deal with the job to run their offenses.
“I think it is good for young players, especially in the team manager, if they are not quite ready, to sit back without pressure on daily pressure to have to be done,” Ballard explained. “Now the pressure is still there because it is one game away. But it’s much different. It’s much different. I just think the little miscarriage they can learn by winning the copying role can serve them well because it still serves the start.”
In the end, it will be under Richardson to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from Jones and he does better by taking Jones never played a full NFL season in the career. The opportunity to prove that he is still worth long -term investment could come until Richardson expects.
As a result, Colts have little reason to investigate Richardson’s business. They will continue with both at their disposal.