The Indianapolis Colts may have been projected by many across the NFL to struggle mightily in the 2025 season after benching No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson for Daniel Jones, but it appears as though no one informed Shane Steichen and the rest of this franchise about that.
Not only did the Colts thrash the Miami Dolphins by a 33-8 scoreline that was not as close as the scoreline would indicate, but Jones led the team to points on all seven of their scoring drives. Jones found the end zone three times and never turned the ball over.
While Jones put together some of the worst numbers you'll ever see for a starting quarterback in his last few seasons with the New York Giants, it is quite hard for anyone to succeed when Malik Nabers is the only above-average wide receiver at your disposal over a multi-year period, and the backfield wilted away following the departure of Saquon Barkley.
Colts gave Daniel Jones weapons he never had with Giants
The Colts have given him a tremendous wide receiver trio in Josh Downs, Michael Pittman Jr., and Alec Pierce in addition to Jonathan Taylor in the backfield and a quality Quenton Nelson-led offensive line. Let's not forget standout rookie tight end Tyler Warren either.
With some quality support around him, Jones might be able to get Indianapolis turned around.
Part of why Richardson's struggles were so alarming was the fact that Indy actually has a great collection of players around the quarterback spot and a solid offensive line that can keep him protected. With an offensive coach in Shane Steichen, the Colts aren't just putting their young quarterback in a meat grinder like many teams do.
Jones has had great weapons at times, including some of the best Saquon Barkley years and emerging star Malik Nabers near the end of his Giants tenure, but he has never had the combination of a Pro Bowl running back, budding star tight end, and three standout young wide receivers who can all make plays.
The stylistic contrast between the speedy underneath target in Downs, the more experienced possession receiver in the 6-4 Pittman, and the vertical deep threat in Pierce, Jones is spoiled for choice. If Adonai Mitchell lives up to billing, this passing game can be even more dangerous for the Colts.
It remains to be seen if Jones is going to play at a level approximating his standout Week 1 showing every week, but with the pieces around him, the Colts should feel more reasonably confident in his abilities than a Giants team that had no shot of competing with him.