Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen took the podium Wednesday just before the start of the NFL Scouting Combine, speaking with reporters for the first time since his introductory press conference in February.
While Steichen expectedly didn’t give away any major secrets about the team’s plans at the quarterback position, he did continue to put an emphasis on the traits he looks for in franchise players at the game’s most important position.
Here are 11 takeaways from Steichen’s press conference at the combine:
1
Jalen Hurts a model of QB makeup and approach
Shane Steichen unsolicitedly brings up Jalen Hurts while addressing a question about prospect QBs. Said the Colts’ future QB needs to imitate Hurts’ makeup and approach.
Steichen reiterates how Hurts is consistently putting in work at team facility from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. pic.twitter.com/Fm5XOXrri0
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) March 1, 2023
2
Steichen's biggest factors of QB success
Shane Steichen said an obsession with the game, the love of football is one of the biggest factors that determine the QBs who succeed vs those who do not. #Colts pic.twitter.com/my1vNGB0b7
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) March 1, 2023
3
Reggie Wayne officially back as WRs coach
Reggie Wayne will officially return as Colts WR coach in 2023.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 1, 2023
4
He believes accuracy can be improved
Shane Steichen said he believes you can help a QB’s accuracy through building mechanics but also in the difficulty of throws you ask him to complete early on.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) March 1, 2023
5
Drafting QB position is about projection
Shane Steichen on evaluating QBs: “You have to see the future.”
It’s about projecting what a player will be, not just could be and not just currently is.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) March 1, 2023
6
Tried to get more Eagles coaches on the staff
Shane Steichen: “Coaches are like players. You’re under contract.”
He acknowledged that he tried to grab a few Eagles staffers but credited Nick Sirianni for keeping good coaches in the building.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) March 1, 2023
7
Talking about Justin Herbert
Steichen has coached different QB styles and has interviewed them in different styles to. This was Steichen on going through the process with Justin Herbert. pic.twitter.com/B2fTBNVUa2
— Eddie Garrison (@EddieGarrison_) March 1, 2023
8
Impressions of Colts defense from Week 11
Steichen on what he saw from the Colts when Philly faced them last season. pic.twitter.com/2j7cfsWA4v
— Eddie Garrison (@EddieGarrison_) March 1, 2023
9
Interviews for assistant coach positions were 'grueling'
Shane Steichen said his interviews for assistant coach positions were “grueling.” He looked for accountability in each one and that’s what his additions should have in common.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) March 1, 2023
10
Emphasizing 'throwing to score'
Few Steichen thoughts:
-Few staff spots to fill. Confirmed returns of Gus Bradley, Reggie Wayne
-On QBs: "What's the edge that separates them?"
-Continues to stress QB accuracy. "On 3rd-and-8, can you deliver it?"
-Emphasizing "throwing to score"
-He's a direct communicator https://t.co/gZ4YAKsHhv
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) March 1, 2023
11
Size not a deal-breaker at QB
🏈 He cited the obvious physical traits all teams look for in a QB, and added size isn't a deal-breaker (in his mind):
"We've seen Hall of Famers that are 6-0 and we've seen Hall of Famers that are 6-5 … it's that 'it' factor right because everyone's going to have talent."
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 1, 2023
