The Indianapolis Colts’ gamble on Daniel Jones is paying off—at least through the first two weeks of the NFL season. Jones, often criticized during his time with the New York Giants, is displaying a level of confidence and efficiency previously unseen in his career. Under the tutelage of new head coach Shane Steichen, Jones is thriving in a system that seems tailor-made for his skillset. This early success raises a compelling question: has Daniel Jones finally found the right environment to unlock his full potential as an NFL quarterback?
The Colts’ offense, humming under Steichen’s direction, has yet to punt this season. They are the first team in the Super Bowl era to achieve this feat through the first two games, showcasing the effectiveness of their new quarterback-coach pairing. While it’s too early to declare Jones a bona fide star, his improved performance across multiple key metrics suggests a significant transformation.
One of the most striking changes is Jones’s performance under pressure. Last season with the Giants, he completed just 44% of his passes when facing pressure, averaging a meager 4.7 yards per attempt. This season, those numbers have jumped dramatically to 60% completion and 7.5 yards per attempt. Against the blitz, the improvement is even more pronounced: a 10% increase in completion percentage and a staggering jump from 5.5 to 10 yards per attempt. These are not insignificant improvements; they represent a fundamental shift in Jones’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver accurate throws under duress.
Steichen’s trust in Jones is further evidenced by the dramatic increase in first-down passing attempts. Last season, Jones threw on just 33% of first downs. This season, that number has surged to 56%. This aggressive approach speaks volumes about Steichen’s confidence in his quarterback’s ability to execute the offense.
The Steichen Effect: Confidence and Comfort
“He looks confident. It looks like his head coach has instilled confidence in him to just let it rip.”
This observation, made during a recent NFL Live segment, encapsulates the essence of Jones’s resurgence. The freedom to “let it rip” is precisely what Jones seemed to lack in New York. Steichen’s faith in his quarterback has clearly empowered Jones to play with a newfound sense of authority.
“Your pathway is your pathway. Some people don’t like the way they start. It’s a matter of how you finish.”
This insightful comment reflects Jones’s journey. His early struggles in New York, followed by his arrival in Indianapolis, underscore the importance of finding the right environment for a quarterback to flourish. The competition with rookie Anthony Richardson, whom Jones ultimately beat out for the starting job, likely served as further motivation.
Jones’s success is not solely due to Steichen’s influence. The Colts’ offensive line, a crucial factor in any quarterback’s performance, has provided exceptional protection. Their ability to consistently give Jones time in the pocket has allowed him to make plays and avoid costly sacks. Indianapolis is the fourth team in the Super Bowl era to go back-to-back games without a punt at any point during the season, illustrating the effectiveness of their offensive unit.
The Road Ahead
While the early returns are promising, the question of sustainability remains. Can Jones maintain this level of play throughout the season? Can he handle the inevitable challenges and adversity that lie ahead? These questions will be answered in the coming weeks and months.
One thing is certain: Daniel Jones, under the guidance of Shane Steichen and supported by a strong offensive line, has been given a fresh start in Indianapolis. His early success is a testament to his resilience, his talent, and the transformative power of the right coaching and system. Whether this impressive start blossoms into a truly remarkable season remains to be seen, but the early signs are undeniably encouraging for the Colts and their revitalized quarterback.
