Riley Leonard explains changed mindset after Colts-Falcons game

Riley Leonard is taking a certain approach as the Indianapolis Colts decide who will back up Daniel Jones.

Following a 34-6 preseason loss to the Atlanta Falcons today, Leonard acknowledged that the competition with Anthony Richardson Sr. previously led him to press for plays that weren't there.

“When you’re in a quarterback competition, the competitor in you just tells you, ‘Hey, let’s win it right now, let’s make this cool play,’” Leonard said, per WISH-TV . “And that’s just completely the wrong way to look at it.”

Leonard specifically mentioned his interception against the New England Patriots as an example.

“Last week, Patriots game, third play, that’s when I was chasing the big play to try to prove myself,” Leonard said. “Well, I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.”

"Just focusing on how can I help this team this play" MUST WATCH: #Colts QB Riley Leonard on how he's approaching the competition with Anthony Richardson to be the team's backup quarterback. pic.twitter.com/V4udDhP7UI

— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) August 22, 2026 Leonard completed 7 of 14 passes for 61 yards without an interception against the Falcons. He went 10 of 21 for 89 yards with an interception in the preseason opener against New England.

The Colts have handed Leonard and Richardson chances to compete for the No. 2 quarterback job. Leonard started and played the first half today after Richardson started the opener vs. New England.

Now, Leonard's has honed his concentration: “Just focusing on how can I help this team this play.”

It's an approach that lessens mistake-causing, overly aggressive play, as Indianapolis moves closer to settling its quarterback depth chart.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Riley Leonard explains changed mindset after Colts-Falcons game