The Indianapolis Colts were right. General manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen clearly knew what they were doing this offseason, even when others around the NFL doubted them. After six games, Indy sits atop the AFC South at 5-1.
Obviously, there are several reasons for this. Some of the players fans already knew were great, or likely to be so, have been just that. Running back Jonathan Taylor, for instance, has long been one of the best backs in the league. This year, he has been the best so far.
But very few expected quarterback Daniel Jones to be as terrific as he is. He likely can continue his elite run, as he appears to be a perfect fit in Shane Steichen's system. The quarterback tends not to make careless mistakes, and is the excellent point guard QB Steichen needs.
Daniel Jones is the latest redemption story for the Indianapolis Colts
Jones, in fact, isn't simply a fantastic redemption story; but he is playing like a Pro Bowl quarterback. He just needed to rid himself of being a part of the awful New York Giants organization, spend some time with the Minnesota Vikings, and join Indy, a team that has a wonderful core of offensive weapons.
The Colts' QB1 is completing 71.7 percent of his passes (third in the NFL), has a quarterback rating of a career-high 104.4 (10th in the league), and has augmented his eight touchdown throws with four rushing touchdowns. He's made the argument of Anthony Richardson ever starting again moot.
But Jones has also done something that not even Peyton Manning could do. Through six games, Indianapolis has scored 194 points. That is the most in franchise history. Daniel Jones isn't the only reason Indy is scoring so much, but without him, the team doesn't reach the same level.
Clearly, the quarterback deserves a lot of credit for his play. He doesn't just make smart throws, but he prepares exceedingly well. He is a smart guy on and off the field, and it shows in the way he runs the offense. That isn't going to change, barring an injury.
But Chris Ballard and Shane Steichen deserve credit, too. They took a chance on Jones being the starting quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts when maybe no other team would have. Those teams have a right to be jealous now. The only drawback for Indy is that next offseason, Jones is going to want to be signed to a huge new contract. He's earned it.