It took 12 years, but the Indianapolis Colts are finally 1-0. Indy dominated the Miami Dolphins, routing the visitors 33-8 in the season opener.
A major reason for their success? New starting quarterback Daniel Jones. In his Colts debut, Jones was everything head coach Shane Steichen chose him to be — consistent, confident and poised.
When Steichen named Jones the team’s starter over Anthony Richardson Sr. after a tight battle in training camp, Colts fans were not hesitant to voice their frustrations. Some completely wrote the season off. Others declared a boycott of the franchise. The fans wanted Richardson, the player they were promised was the future.
But instead they got Jones, who in his first game in front of the Colts fanbase, silenced their doubts, proving there was no reason for controversy in the first place. He is, and has been, the better option all along.
Jones commanded the offense with ease on Sunday, throwing for a 75.8% completion rate (22-for-29), 272 yards and a touchdown, earning a 115.9 passer rating while rushing for two more scores. He led the Colts to score on all seven of their possessions, becoming the first NFL team since 1978 to score on every offensive possession in a game.
Maybe the Colts still win the game with Richardson under center. But not in this fashion. Jones offers things that Richardson simply doesn’t — consistency, sound decision making and command over the offense.
“We wanted to stay on schedule and complete balls,” Steichen said, alluding to Jones’ reliability through the air. His 22 completions beat Richardson’s game-high of 20 from a year ago. Steichen said it’s a credit to the work Jones does during the week.
“That’s the preparation that he puts in. He was ready to roll.”
Jones, despite the strong individual performance, handled himself the way an NFL quarterback should after such a complete team performance: with grace and humility. The 28-year-old refused to make it about himself.
“I thought we played well and the team played well,” he said. “I think I’ve learned over the years that it’s a long season and you got to play at a high level the whole time.”
That experience as a starter, which Richardson does not have at just 23 years old, ultimately played a difference in Steichen’s decision. A game into the season, it’s also what allowed Jones to pick apart the Miami defense.
Take, for example, Jones’ ability to make changes before the snap. Steichen mentioned multiple times where Jones made a check at the line of scrimmage — changing the play or adjusting the protection — leading to success. That’s something that Jones said comes with time and repetitions. Again, two things Richardson doesn’t have.
That experience is also what’s going to allow Jones to continue to be the best option under center.
“The best teams in the league continue to build on success,” he said. “Everyone on our team is mature enough to know we gotta continue to grow and improve.”
It is just Week 1, and drawing any major conclusions from one game would be premature. Still, if Jones can remain consistent and keep playing at the high level he displayed against the Dolphins, it’s hard to not get excited about the Colts under Jones’ leadership.
But again, it’s early. Miami was banged up and doesn’t have the best secondary in the league. Next week against the Broncos, who boast a stronger defense than Miami, will be a much better measuring stick for what the Colts and Jones can accomplish together.
