Very few expected the dominant performance the Indianapolis Colts would put on display against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Without warning, the Colts scored on every single offensive possession — the first NFL team to do so since 1978 — and raced past the Dolphins en route to a stunning 33-8 final score.
Indianapolis outgained Miami 418-211 in total yards. Miami turned the ball over three times, as Indianapolis doubled their number of yards gained on the ground and were just a few yards short of doing the same through the air.
Daniel Jones went 22-for-29 for 272 yards, a passing touchdown, two rushing touchdowns and zero turnovers. Michael Pittman Jr. hauled in six catches for 80 yards and a touchdown. Similarly, rookie Tyler Warren pulled down seven catches for 76 yards.
On the other side of the ball, Tagovailoa ended the day 14-for-23 for 114 yards, a passing touchdown and two interceptions. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for 70 receiving yards, 10 fewer than Michael Pittman Jr. alone. On both sides of the ball, in every aspect of the game, the Indianapolis Colts were dominant.
Doubters of Jones were emphatically silenced very early in the game. Colts head coach Shane Steichen called five consecutive pass plays on their opening drive, four of which were completed for a total of 57 yards. By the time Johnathon Taylor or any running back recorded a carry, Jones had already led the offense to the Miami 11.
In essence, that level of success sums up the afternoon for Indianapolis offensively. Jones was incredibly accurate and clear-headed in the pocket. Warren far exceeded expectations as a rookie tight end. Taylor, while slow to get going, powered the offense forward in short yardage situations.
By all accounts, the offense was humming. That being said, Miami does have a massively depleted secondary, and even beyond that it’s important to remember that it is just the Dolphins. Regardless, Jones and Steichen showed the fanbase and the entire league that they have plans to consistently put points on the board.
Somehow, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo’s defense was just as impressive. Miami head coach Mike McDaniel, one of the greatest minds in the sport, watched helplessly as his offense was rendered useless. Miami’s woes began in the trenches, as the Indianapolis pass rush overwhelmed Tagovailoa.
That high quality level of play from the front seven allowed Anarumo to take creative liberty with the secondary. Effective pressuring of the quarterback allows more defenders to drop into coverage, which leads to tight throwing windows for a quarterback already under duress. It seemed that everything Anarumo schemed up since arriving in Indianapolis went exactly according to plan in week one.
Pairing a talented, enforcing and puzzling defense with a sharp, efficient and dazzling offense is a recipe for success at home against an inferior opponent. As such, the Colts earned their first victory in a season opener since 2013 as they honor the life and career of the late Jim Irsay.
Next week, the Colts stay in town to take on the Denver Broncos inside Lucas Oil Stadium. Denver opened their season with a 20-12 win over Tennessee, flexing their top-shelf defense and legitimate playoff contending roster. The Broncos will be a much tougher test, which will hand the Colts another opportunity to reveal what they are capable of.
Until then, the optimism surrounding Colts football is as high as it’s been through one game since this team was consistently punching their tickets to the postseason. Contrary to the pregame expectations of many, the season in Indianapolis begins with a dominant 33-8 victory over Miami.
