Quarterbacks are rarely described as “under the radar.”
It’s the most scrutinized position in all of sports, and every snap is examined through a microscope. But in the case of Indianapolis Colts QB Daniel Jones, he fits the label in an unusual way.
By position, he isn’t underrated -- but in perception, he’s been dismissed as a quarterback that defenses simply don’t fear. That lack of respect could be exactly what makes him a dangerous X-factor in Week 2 against a stout Denver Broncos defense.
The surroundings for Daniel Jones could continue to lift his performance ceiling
For much of his career, Jones has been viewed as a stopgap -- talented enough to start, but not consistent enough to be a long-term solution or a player an organization could hang its hat on. In New York, he flashed mobility and arm strength, yet was saddled with a carousel of coaches, shaky offensive lines, and underwhelming supporting casts. He also wasn't very good, himself.
The narrative became less about what Jones could do and more about what he couldn’t. Now in Indianapolis, under the guidance of Shane Steichen, the equation already looks very different.
Steichen has already proven what he can do with quarterbacks. From Justin Herbert as a rookie in Los Angeles to Jalen Hurts’ leap in Philadelphia, he’s shown a rare ability to design offenses tailored to his players’ strengths. Jones enters Indianapolis in an ecosystem that’s not only more stable, but also more creative and quarterback-friendly.
With Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, Michael Pittman Jr. as a reliable target, and a strong offensive line anchoring the unit, Jones doesn’t have to play hero ball -- he just has to execute within structure.
That’s where he can quietly thrive against Denver. The Broncos’ defense is extremely talented and boasts the NFL's top corner in Pat Surtain II, but for a signal-caller like Jones, operating with confidence and balance in Steichen’s scheme should allow him to take off the proverbial training wheels and take advantage of the opportunity at hand.
He doesn’t need to throw for 350 yards and shoulder the offense; controlling the game with smart decisions, timely throws, and opportunistic runs can tilt the field in the Colts’ favor.
It’s a reminder of how important context is in football. No matter how experienced a quarterback may be, the surrounding environment often dictates whether he succeeds or struggles.
Jones’ career in New York was a case study in how a lack of stability can sink even a talented player. Indianapolis offers him a chance at reinvention, and if Week 1 against Miami (3 total TDs) was any indication, Steichen’s vision and the Colts’ supporting cast might finally give him the conditions to thrive.
So while the spotlight may shine brighter on other matchups, Jones represents the kind of under-the-radar storyline that could define Sunday. Should he operate with efficiency and poise, the Colts absolutely have a shot of moving to 2-0, further raising the eyebrows of the rest of the NFL.