Daniel Jones gave the Indianapolis Colts the best and most consistent quarterback play they've had since Andrew Luck. The bar wasn't particularly high, but he seemed to execute Shane Steichen's system better than his predecessors, and the Colts were one of the hottest teams in the league in the first two months of the season.
Like clockwork, disaster struck -- again -- when the playoffs were within reach. Jones suffered a season-ending Achilles injury and a broken leg, and the Colts had to turn to 44-year-old Philip Rivers and Riley Leonard to limp their way through the season.
Given the nature of the injury and when he got hurt, Jones was never expected to be back on the field in Week 1. However, he's been very active in OTAs, moving around and throwing just six months after his injury. That's why Josh Downs wanted to give him his flowers and praise him for his relentless work ethic and determination.
The Indianapolis Colts need Daniel Jones and Josh Downs to step up
"DJ's a savage, man," Downs told Tom Pelissero. He's in there, every day, first one in, last one out. He's doing what he needs to do, and I know he's gonna keep doing that... He's out there, already throwing with us early in OTAs, so that's a great sign right there, and I expect him to be out there as soon as possible."
Notably, the connection between Downs and Jones could make or break the Colts' offense this season. Michael Pittman Jr. is no longer there, and someone will have to pick up the slack and step up as the chain-moving, reliable pass catcher.
Downs is entering a contract year, and he's coming off a fairly disappointing season after a somewhat breakout year two. He took a backseat to Tyler Warren, though it might also have been due to the lack of rapport with his new quarterback. Now, with another offseason together, they'll have to get on the same page.
The Colts made a big financial investment to keep Jones in town, and they chose to move on from their former No. 4 pick. Clearly, they like what he brings to the table and believe in his skills and his leadership. That sounds great on paper, but he's never strung good seasons together, so this will essentially be a contract year for him as well.
This team needs to protect Jones from himself. As much as he clearly wants to be out there in Week 1, they must make sure that he's out of harm's way before even thinking of giving him a green light. That said, with Steichen and potentially Chris Ballard on the hot seat to start the year, that might be a luxury they won't want to afford.
Whatever the case, it's still inspiring and refreshing to watch the quarterback lead by example and go the extra mile to be present. He shouldn't have to be there in voluntary OTAs, much less while still recovering from two major injuries. He's setting the standard and sending a clear message, and it feels like he's already earned the respect of everyone in the building.
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