Sauce Gardner Calls Shane Steichen a 'Top‑Three' NFL Playcaller

Gardner's endorsement raises internal confidence in the Colts' offensive scheme as the team finishes Westfield camp and moves to joint practices in Foxborough.

Overview

Gardner told reporters on Saturday that Steichen is a "top-three" playcaller after weeks of practice against the Colts' offense in Westfield.
Gardner also praised quarterback Daniel Jones as playing like a "top-five" signal‑caller and credited Steichen with driving the offense's plans and adjustments.
The endorsement contrasts with national lists that place Steichen lower, with CBS Sports ranking him 10th and The Athletic placing him seventh.
On-field work at Sunday's practice showed the defense testing the offense and Gardner remaining sharp with multiple pass breakups in late-game simulations.
Steichen's playcalling is widely credited inside the team for the Colts' high-scoring stretch in early 2025, and the comments raise expectations as the club heads to Foxborough for joint practices and the preseason.