<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/indianapolis-colts/reasons-why-daniel-jones-week-1-explosion-wasnt-fluke');   ga('set', 'title', '3 reasons why Daniel Jones’ Week 1 explosion wasn’t a fluke');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/X-reasons-why-Daniel-Jones-Week-1-explosion-was-wasnt-a-fluke.jpg"></figure><h1>3 reasons why Daniel Jones’ Week 1 explosion wasn’t a fluke</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-08T20:35:21-07:00">September 8th, 8:35pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-08T20:35:21-07:00">September 8th, 8:35pm</time><address><a href="http://hoopnut.blogspot.com/">Enzo Flojo</a>Enzo Flojo is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints and a columnist for Asian basketball at FIBA. He brings a dynamic spirit and background, having expertise that spans writing, analytics, coaching, and broadcasting. He is also currently an Assistant Coach on Scouting &amp; Analytics for the Philippine national youth basketball team.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>For years, Daniel Jones has been one of the NFL’s most polarizing quarterbacks. He has been labeled a turnover-prone project by some and a misunderstood talent by others. Before the 2025 season, his career had been a rollercoaster defined by flashes of brilliance and stretches of mediocrity. In his first game with the Indianapolis Colts, though, Jones delivered the kind of performance that forces even his harshest critics to reconsider. The question, of course, is whether this was a one-week mirage or the beginning of something real. A closer look suggests it’s far more than a fluke.</p><h2><b>Colts dominate Dolphins in Week 1</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Colts-news-Daniel-Jones-completely-aware-hes-not-the-QB-Colts-fans-wanted.jpg"><figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Colts became one of the biggest storylines of NFL Week 1 after dismantling the Miami Dolphins, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/401772719">33-8</a>. The win snapped an 11-year drought in season openers. It was Indy’s first Week 1 victory since 2013 after going 0-10-1 from 2014 to 2024. In his debut with the Colts, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-indianapolis-fans-daniel-jones-bandwagon-hot-start-dolphins">Jones was the catalyst</a>. He completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown, while adding 26 rushing yards and two scores on the ground. More impressively, Jones guided the offense to points on every single possession. That made Indianapolis the first team since at least 2000 to score on every drive in a game.</p><p>The dominance was comprehensive. Indianapolis piled up 418 yards of offense against Miami’s 211. The Colts won the turnover battle 3-0 and converted 27 first downs compared to the Dolphins’ 12. By halftime, the Colts had built a 20-point lead, while Miami was shut out in the first half of a season opener for the first time since 2009. From start to finish, it was less a game and more a statement. The Colts, with Jones at the helm, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-end-brutal-streak-4400-days">might be far more dangerous</a> than anyone anticipated.</p><p>Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the reasons why Daniel Jones’ Week 1 explosion wasn’t a fluke with the Indianapolis Colts.</p><h2><b>Efficient scoring mastery drives Colts’ dominance</b></h2><p>The first reason Jones’ Week 1 explosion <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-next-sam-darnold-after-hot-start-vs-dolphins">can’t be written off as a fluke</a> is the sheer efficiency with which the Colts offense operated under his direction. Scoring on seven consecutive drives isn’t just rare. It’s practically unheard of in the modern NFL. That level of consistency requires precise execution, unshakable poise, and unwavering command of the game plan.</p><p>Jones didn’t just put up gaudy numbers. He averaged 9.4 yards per attempt, which is the third-best mark of his career. He also finished with a passer rating of 115.9. Perhaps most tellingly, Jones was sacked only once. That was a testament to both his ability to adjust protections pre-snap and his decisiveness with the football. He didn’t let Miami dictate the flow; instead, he dictated it to them.</p><p>This wasn’t about one or two broken plays or a couple of deep shots connecting. It was a methodical dismantling of a defense, built on sharp reads, smart throws, and opportunistic runs. Sustaining drives at that clip takes more than luck.</p><h2><b>Commanding the offense with poise and precision</b></h2><p>The second reason this performance feels sustainable is Jones’ evolution as a field general. Long criticized as a quarterback who relied too much on his legs or who crumbled in big moments, Jones instead looked like a poised, polished veteran. He ran the Colts offense with surgical precision.</p><p>He completed nearly 76 percent of his passes and displayed elite situational awareness. His pre-snap reads were crisp, and his ability to use his mobility selectively (rather than recklessly) was on full display with his two rushing scores.</p><p>Head coach Shane Steichen and the Colts staff trusted Jones enough to hand him the reins over Anthony Richardson, and Week 1 justified that decision. He looked less like a stopgap and more like a quarterback who could legitimately anchor a playoff push.</p><h2><b>Perfect fit with a supportive system and team</b></h2><p>Finally, context matters. Jones appears to have landed in the perfect environment to succeed. With the New York Giants, he was often tasked with carrying a sputtering offense behind a porous line. In Indianapolis, he’s working with one of the league’s more balanced supporting casts. The results are already obvious.</p><p>Michael Pittman Jr remains a reliable No. 1 option. He hauled in a 27-yard touchdown to highlight their early chemistry. Jonathan Taylor continues to command defensive respect as one of the league’s premier backs. This prevented opponents from simply teeing off on Jones. And under Steichen’s system, Jones’ dual-threat skill set seems maximized.</p><p>“Danny went out there and crushed it today,” Pittman said postgame. “I’m not sure it could’ve went better.”</p><p>That synergy between quarterback, play-caller, and supporting cast can’t be overstated. Jones’ success on Sunday wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was the product of a system designed to let him thrive.</p><h2><b>Looking ahead</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Daniel-Jones-2.jpg"><figcaption>Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>It’s easy to dismiss one breakout performance as an anomaly, especially from a quarterback with as many detractors as Daniel Jones. That said, Week 1 against the Dolphins wasn’t a mirage. It was the culmination of efficiency, leadership, and system fit. These elements that suggest this version of Jones is here to stay.</p><p>The Colts needed a quarterback to break their season-opening curse. What they may have found instead is a leader capable of breaking their cycle of mediocrity. If Sunday was any indication, Jones is not only rejuvenated. He might just be ready to redefine his career.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

3 reasons why Daniel Jones’ Week 1 explosion wasn’t a fluke

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-completely-aware-not-qb-fans-wanted');   ga('set', 'title', 'Daniel Jones completely aware he’s not the QB Colts fans wanted');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Colts-news-Daniel-Jones-completely-aware-hes-not-the-QB-Colts-fans-wanted.jpg"><figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Daniel Jones completely aware he’s not the QB Colts fans wanted</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-08T16:28:49-07:00">September 8th, 4:28pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-08T16:28:49-07:00">September 8th, 4:28pm</time><address><a>Richard Pereira</a>Richard Pereira joined ClutchPoints in January 2025 as an Associate Editor. He earned his degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2023 and has been covering the school's athletic programs since 2020, having served as a Sports Editor at the FAU University Press. He was granted the unique opportunity to report on the men's basketball team's journey to the Final Four in Houston for FAU Owls Nest during March Madness, consistently striving to grow as a sports journalist.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Daniel Jones had some doubters to prove wrong in his season debut with the Indianapolis <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/3-under-the-radar-plays-that-proved-daniel-jones-was-the-colts-qb1">Colts on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins</a>.</p><p>Safe to say he pulled that off to perfection in Week 1. Getting the starting job over Anthony Richardson, the former New York Giants quarterback had a standout performance with 22 completions out of 29 attempts for 272 yards and a touchdown while making seven rushes for 26 yards and two scores.</p><p>Jones went on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday afternoon, reflecting on his excellent display in the season opener. Pat McAfee told Jones that The Athletic put out a poll about the quarterback and how it was 93% negative for him.</p><p>Jones <a href="https://x.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1965108162870346166" rel="noopener">laughed off the poll</a>, saying he wasn’t aware of it. However, he knows that the fans and media would rather have Richardson as the starter, but he tries to ignore it even though he’s aware of it.</p><p>“I did not know about the poll, but I definitely realize the public, the media, the press is not in my favor and has not been in my favor. And that’s part of it. We didn’t win enough games in New York and I didn’t play well enough, so that comes with it. But I think you’re aware of it. In this day and age you can’t completely block it out, but you try to do as best you can and stay focused on what you’re doing,” Jones said at the 0:53 mark.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">“We didn’t win enough games in New York and I didn’t play well enough..</p><p>I think we’re really focused on football here and what’s most important” ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/Daniel_Jones10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Daniel_Jones10</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMSLive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMSLive</a> <a href="https://t.co/8sMNllt9G8">pic.twitter.com/8sMNllt9G8</a></p><p>— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1965108162870346166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><h2><b>What lies ahead for Daniel Jones, Colts</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Colts-news-Daniel-Jones-completely-aware-hes-not-the-QB-Colts-fans-wanted-2.jpg"><figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Daniel Jones has the chance to be in a similar situation to guys like Sam Darnold or Geno Smith. They were quarterbacks who failed with their first teams or early in their career only to succeed when they got another chance. Jones’ stint with the Colts could be another example of that.</p><p>Indianapolis dominated Miami in a 33-8 rout on Sunday afternoon. This entertained the home fans from start to finish, hoping that their squad can maintain this consistency moving forward.</p><p>The Colts will look forward to their next matchup, remaining at home. They host the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14 at 4:05 p.m. ET.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Daniel Jones completely aware he’s not the QB Colts fans wanted

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/indianapolis-colts/3-under-the-radar-plays-that-proved-daniel-jones-was-the-colts-qb1');   ga('set', 'title', '3 ‘under the radar’ plays that proved Daniel Jones was the Colts’ QB1');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Daniel-Jones-on-August-16-2025.jpg"><figcaption>Robert Goddin-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>3 ‘under the radar’ plays that proved Daniel Jones was the Colts’ QB1</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-08T09:30:29-07:00">September 8th, 9:30am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-08T09:30:29-07:00">September 8th, 9:30am</time><address><a>Yago Antunes</a>Yago Antunes is a Brazilian journalist and writer with experience covering esports, the NFL, NBA, and soccer. He has contributed to online outlets and reported on major international tournaments, building a strong background in sports journalism and digital media while displaying his passion about storytelling and sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Indianapolis Colts finally snapped an ugly streak in their season opener, and Daniel Jones was at the center of it. With their new quarterback under center, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-end-brutal-streak-4400-days">Colts demolished the Miami Dolphins 33-8</a>, giving the franchise its first Week 1 win since 2013, a drought of nearly 4,400 days, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.</p><p>Jones delivered in every phase, completing 22-of-29 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for two scores. After beating out Anthony Richardson in camp, his performance validated the decision and gave fans plenty of reason to buy in.</p><p>What stood out most weren’t just the touchdowns, but the little things Jones <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/week-1-nfl-takeaways-bills-comeback-packers-parsons" rel="noopener">executed that showed why the coaching staff trusted him</a>. Head coach Shan Steichen highlighted several moments that might not make highlight reels but shaped the game. Jones adjusted protections on an early drive, buying time to hit rookie tight end Tyler Warren for 22 yards.</p><p>Later, he checked out of a bad look on fourth-and-2, turning it into a six-yard completion to Josh Downs. Even simple checkdowns, to Warren for eight yards or Jonathan Taylor to spark a long drive, demonstrated poise and awareness.</p><p>”Everyone wants to see the big plays, but those small plays move the needle,” Steichen said after the game.</p><p>The win over Miami was comprehensive. Indy’s defense picked off Tua Tagovailoa, held the Dolphins scoreless until late in the game, and kept momentum firmly on their side. By halftime, the Indianapolis Colts were up 20-0 and never let Miami back in. Jones’ connection with Warren looks promising, and the balanced rushing attack gave Indianapolis control throughout.</p><p>Now the question becomes whether Jones can sustain this level. Some fans are already wondering if his resurgence could mirror Sam Darnold’s unlikely breakout with the Vikings last year.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-next-sam-darnold-after-hot-start-vs-dolphins">Daniel Jones went 10-of-12 for 150 yards</a> and two total touchdowns during Indy’s early surge, a start that has quickly shifted the narrative around him. If Week 1 is a sign of things to come, the Colts might finally have stability at quarterback, and maybe even a playoff push in their future.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

3 ‘under the radar’ plays that proved Daniel Jones was the Colts’ QB1

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-end-brutal-streak-4400-days');   ga('set', 'title', 'Colts’ Daniel Jones just helped end brutal streak that lasted nearly 4,400 days');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Daniel-Jones.jpg"><figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Colts’ Daniel Jones just helped end brutal streak that lasted nearly 4,400 days</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-07T14:08:44-07:00">September 7th, 2:08pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-07T14:08:44-07:00">September 7th, 2:08pm</time><address><a>Dan Fappiano</a>Dan Fappiano is a Connecticut based sports journalist and a graduate of both Tunxis Community College and Central Connecticut State University. Dan has spent time covering high school and professional sports in both the print and online medium. He hopes to see his beloved Chicago Bears win a Super Bowl someday.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/miami-dolphins/dolphins-news-tua-tagovailoa-disasterclass-vs-colts-continues-another-brutal-interception">Indianapolis Colts opened their season with a dominant 33-8 victory</a> over the Miami Dolphins. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-next-sam-darnold-after-hot-start-vs-dolphins">Leading the way was quarterback Daniel Jones</a>, who proved why he was a first-round pick in his Colts debut.</p><p>Jones completed 22-of-29 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown. He also ran seven times for 26 yards and another two scores on the ground. After beating out Anthony Richardson during the offseason for the starting quarterback role, Jones’ debut pointed towards that being a strong decision.</p><p>But in the end, all that matters is wins. Sunday’s was monumental for the Colts, as it marked their first Week 1 victory since 2013. It <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1964777148671299862" rel="noopener">had been nearly 4,400 days</a> since Indianapolis won their last season opener, via Adam Schefter of ESPN.</p><p>Jones’ first drive with the Colts ended in a field goal. But after Tua Tagovailoa threw an interception. Indianapolis was back in business. Jones the led the Colts on a 14-play, 84-yard scoring drive that ended with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Michael Pittman.</p><p>From there, Indianapolis never looked back. They held a 20-0 lead at halftime before going up 30-0 in the fourth. The Dolphins would score a touchdown and convert the 2-point conversion, but it wasn’t nearly enough to mount a comeback.</p><p>Now Jones and the Colts will be entering Week 2 riding high. They’ll be taking on a Denver Broncos team looking to prove they’re a true playoff contender. If Jones continues his strong play, there won’t only be no more questions about Indianapolis’ quarterback situation, but the Colts could be joining the Broncos on that playoff hunt.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Colts’ Daniel Jones just helped end brutal streak that lasted nearly 4,400 days

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-next-sam-darnold-after-hot-start-vs-dolphins');   ga('set', 'title', 'Is Daniel Jones next Sam Darnold after Colts’ hot start vs. Dolphins?');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Daniel-Jones-of-the-Indianapolis-Colts.jpg"><figcaption>Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Is Daniel Jones next Sam Darnold after Colts’ hot start vs. Dolphins?</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-07T11:10:54-07:00">September 7th, 11:10am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-07T11:10:54-07:00">September 7th, 11:10am</time><address><a>Ben Strauss</a>Ben Strauss is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints. He is a die-hard NFL fan who cheers for the Detroit Lions. He has previously written fantasy football content for IDPGuys and ImportantNonsense.com.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Indianapolis Colts fans were nervous about <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-qb1-anthony-richardson">Daniel Jones winning the starting job over Anthony Richardson</a>. But the Colts could not ask for a better start against the Dolphins. Now Colts fans are rallying around Jones after the team’s hot start in the season opener.</p><p>The Colts<a href="https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1964746412249506024" rel="noopener"> jumped out to an early 17-point lead</a> over the Dolphins in the second quarter. Jones played an undeniable role early in the contest.</p><p>Jones went 10-of-12 for 150 passing yards and a touchdown en route to the 17-point lead. He also <a href="https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1964746782212293036" rel="noopener">added a rushing touchdown himself</a> to make the score 17-0.</p><p>Jones has shown an early <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-tyler-warren-gets-on-board-right-away-first-play">rapport with rookie tight end Tyler Warren</a>. The rookie already leads the team with four receptions for 49 yards in the second quarter.</p><p>Indianapolis has played well on offense, but they’ve also received a ton of assistance from their defense early in this game.</p><p>Newcomer Cam Bynum <a href="https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1964740588852633810" rel="noopener">intercepted a pass</a> from Tua Tagovailoa during the first quarter after the Dolphins marched past midfield. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-indianapolis-agrees-vikings-standout-cam-bynum-60-million-deal">Colts signed Bynum</a> to a four-year, $60 million contract during NFL free agency this spring. He is already showing that he is well worth that investment.</p><p>Prior to Week 1, it was easy for Colts fans to speculate how quickly Daniel Jones would fail. But now they may be singing a different tune.</p><p>If the Colts can finish off the Dolphins in a decisive victory, they may even start dreaming about Jones becoming the next Sam Darnold.</p><p>Darnold had a magical 2024 season with the Vikings, reviving his career and winning 14 games. It was perhaps the best storyline of the 2024 season.</p><p>Daniel Jones and the Colts could receive a ton of hype if they continue dominating the Dolphins for all four quarters.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2025 SEASON STATS
PASSING YDS	PASSING TDS	INTERCEPTIONS	POSITION RANK
272	1	0	-

2025 SEASON STATS
PASSING YDS	PASSING TDS	INTERCEPTIONS	POSITION RANK
272	1	0	-

Daniel
Jones

2022 Projected vs Actual Pts

Latest Daniel Jones News

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Colts’ Daniel Jones just helped end brutal streak that lasted nearly 4,400 days

Is Daniel Jones next Sam Darnold after Colts’ hot start vs. Dolphins?