<!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>

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

<!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-indianapolis-fans-daniel-jones-bandwagon-hot-start-dolphins');   ga('set', 'title', 'Colts fans are on the Daniel Jones bandwagon after 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>Colts fans are on the Daniel Jones bandwagon after hot start vs. Dolphins</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-07T11:03:33-07:00">September 7th, 11:03am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-07T11:03:33-07:00">September 7th, 11:03am</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/dolphins-colts-bold-predictions-week-1-2025-nfl-season">Indianapolis Colts are looking good</a> in the first half of the Week 1 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Indy’s defense is playing solidly, and Daniel Jones is seemingly turning heads with his performance so far. He’s playing so well that the fanbase is already believing the hype.</p><p>Jones, who is 28 years old, has already thrown for 150 yards while scoring a passing and rushing touchdown in the Colts’ first few drives of the game. The score was a brilliant 27-yard pass that was put in the exact spot for Michael Pittman to haul it in and record the touchdown. Daniel Jones looked comfortable in the pocket, as he <a href="https://x.com/Schultz_Report/status/1964744668085903383" rel="noopener">flashed the potential</a> you’d expect from a former first-round pick.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Daniel Jones is looking really comfortable and he just hit Michael Pittman Jr. for a TD and a 10-0 lead</p><p> <a href="https://t.co/fTC27XNPju">pic.twitter.com/fTC27XNPju</a> <a href="https://t.co/HyG1ukys9f">https://t.co/HyG1ukys9f</a></p><p>— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) <a href="https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1964744668085903383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Jones’ performance has Colts fans buzzing on social media right now. Of course, it’s a long season ahead, but the fanbase is seemingly optimistic after seeing Jones play so well to begin the season opener.</p><p>“Daniel Jones freed from the Giants’ shackles and balling, sheesh,” <a href="https://x.com/ChargersRuined/status/1964744296005013885" rel="noopener">said one fan</a>.</p><p><a href="https://x.com/fygfujff/status/1964744881538207895" rel="noopener">Another fan claimed</a>, “Danny will be solid.”</p><p>“I’m not going to lie, the Colts actually look damn good on offense and defense! Daniel Jones has moved them up and down the field and looks really confident,” <a href="https://x.com/kingelvis101/status/1964749262740508863" rel="noopener">explained one individual</a>.</p><p><a href="https://x.com/kevinjonesguy/status/1964749172000886882" rel="noopener">This user stated</a>, “Daniel Jones legacy season.”</p><p>“Daniel Jones having a career resurgence in Indy, apparently,” <a href="https://x.com/MervinBustmante/status/1964749100945207559" rel="noopener">said another fan</a>.</p><p>We’ll have to see how the entire 2025-26 season plays out <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-gets-confident-endorsement-shane-steichen-week-1">before judging Daniel Jones</a>‘ time in Indianapolis. But his hot start with the Colts is certainly notable considering how his tenure ended with the New York Giants.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Colts fans are on the Daniel Jones bandwagon after hot start vs. Dolphins

<!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-gets-confident-endorsement-shane-steichen-week-1');   ga('set', 'title', 'Colts’ Daniel Jones gets confident endorsement from Shane Steichen before Week 1');   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/Jones-runs.jpg"><figcaption>Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Colts’ Daniel Jones gets confident endorsement from Shane Steichen before Week 1</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-09-01T13:45:43-07:00">September 1st, 1:45pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-09-01T13:45:43-07:00">September 1st, 1:45pm</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University alum from Atlanta who graduated with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/3-colts-bold-predictions-2025-nfl-season"> Indianapolis Colts have less</a> than a week to finish preparing before the upcoming 2025 NFL season kicks off this weekend. Recently, the Colts announced that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-gm-makes-clear-about-daniel-jones-winning-qb1">it would be Daniel Jones</a>, not 2023 first round pick Anthony Richardson, who would be under center at the quarterback position this year, which drew a wide array of (mostly negative) reactions from the fanbase.</p><p>Still, Jones should at least provide some relatively stable play at the position, even if he doesn’t have the same high ceiling as Richardson has displayed.</p><p>Recently, Colts head coach Shane Steichen spoke <a href="https://x.com/RomeovilleKid/status/1962600260573745376" rel="noopener">on the qualities</a> that have made Jones stand out since he signed with the Colts toward the end of the 2024 season.</p><p>“He’s been a pro from the day he walked in here. The way he’s worked, people have seen it throughout the building, his teammates, his coaches. And I think that adds to (our edge). A guy that’s always prepared and ready to roll,” said Steichen, per James Boyd of The Athletic on X, formerly Twitter.</p><h2><b>A big decision for the Colts</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Jones-and-Richardson.jpg"><figcaption>Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The image that most NFL fans likely have burned into their minds regarding Daniel Jones is the spectacle of his tenure with the New York Giants crashing and burning down the stretch of the 2025 NFL season. Jones was subsequently released by New York, which opened up the door to sign with Indianapolis.</p><p>However, some have forgotten that Jones did provide some competent quarterback play for the Giants during their 2022 season, when he helped lead them to the NFC divisional round in a playoff showing that surprised many in the NFL world.</p><p>Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson has had a mixed bag of an NFL career thus far, at times displaying the talent and physical profile that had some projecting to be the next Josh Allen, while at others bringing his team down with poor decision-making and a lack of accuracy on downfield throws.</p><p>It’s certainly possible that Richardson could retake the starting role at some point this year, depending on how Jones performs.</p><p>The Colts will kick off their 2025 season on Sunday at home against the Miami Dolphins at 1:00 PM ET.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Colts’ Daniel Jones gets confident endorsement from Shane Steichen before Week 1

<!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-gm-makes-clear-about-daniel-jones-winning-qb1');   ga('set', 'title', 'Colts’ GM makes 1 thing clear about Daniel Jones winning QB1 job');   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/Chris-Ballard-1.jpg"><figcaption>© Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Colts’ GM makes 1 thing clear about Daniel Jones winning QB1 job</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-27T19:48:32-07:00">August 27th, 7:48pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-27T19:48:32-07:00">August 27th, 7:48pm</time><address><a>Guillermo Guajardo</a>Guillermo Guajardo is a dynamic sports presenter with experience on various television channels and digital platforms, most recently with A Tiempo.TV. He is also a multidisciplinary artist with 10 years of experience in acting, directing, writing, and hosting. His work in film has been recognized at international festivals, earning awards for both his performances and directorial projects.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Daniel Jones will begin the 2025 season as <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-qb-coach-reveals-why-indianapolis-can-win-daniel-jones">the starting quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts,</a> and general manager Chris Ballard took the opportunity to emphasize why the veteran earned the job. In his first press conference after the announcement, Ballard underlined that the Colts’ quarterback decision <a href="https://coltswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2025/08/27/colts-gm-chris-ballard-comments-daniel-jones-being-starting-qb-first-time/85857128007/" rel="noopener">was based on performance, not a lack of confidence</a> in Anthony Richardson.</p><p>“At the end of the day, Daniel won the job. Does that mean we’re down on Anthony? No. But I don’t want to dismiss that Daniel’s had a good run here.” Ballard said, according to Colts Wire, highlighting Jones’ steady showing over the summer and his ability to bring consistency to the position.</p><p>Ballard compared Jones’ role to what Alex Smith provided during his time in Kansas City. The GM noted that Smith was “the ultimate professional day in and day out” and that Jones reminds him of that same approach. The Colts believe the quarterback’s training camp performance demonstrated he can deliver stability on a roster that is already well built. For Indianapolis, factors like ball placement, line-of-scrimmage reads, and overall offensive operation were decisive in the choice, beyond simple passing or touchdown statistics.</p><p>Still, much of the attention remains on Richardson, and Ballard <a href="https://www.colts.com/news/colts-gm-chris-ballard-discusses-daniel-jones-anthony-richardson-sr-prior-to-start-of-2025-season" rel="noopener">directly addressed speculation about his future</a>, making it clear that the Colts have no plans to move him. When asked about a possible trade, Ballard responded firmly:</p><p>“Yeah, no, but we’re not trading him.” He also emphasized that Richardson continues to grow, even while preparing as a backup. “I’m proud of Anthony, of where he’s at, how far he’s come,” Ballard said, according to Colts.com, pointing to the value of developing behind a veteran and learning without the same pressure of being the starter.</p><p>The GM added that he is proud of Richardson’s resilience, especially given the challenges of adapting to the NFL. He noted that many quarterbacks need time to adjust and mentioned examples of players who managed to bounce back after difficult starts. Ballard described <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/predicting-anthony-richardson-replace-daniel-jones-colts-qb">Richardson’s current role as an opportunity to learn from Jones</a> while preparing for the future. Ballard’s statement on Richardson reaffirmed the team’s conviction that the young quarterback remains a key part of their long-term vision.</p><p>Ballard’s words left no doubt about the direction of the franchise heading into 2025. The Colts’ quarterback plan puts Jones in command for now, while Richardson continues his development behind the scenes. For Indianapolis, the message was clear: the decision reflects confidence in Jones’ professionalism and growth, without closing the door on Richardson’s future as a potential starter.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Colts’ GM makes 1 thing clear about Daniel Jones winning QB1 job

<!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/predicting-anthony-richardson-replace-daniel-jones-colts-qb');   ga('set', 'title', 'Predicting when Anthony Richardson will replace Daniel Jones as Colts QB during 2025 season');   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/Predicting-when-Anthony-Richardson-will-replace-Daniel-Jones-as-Colts-QB-during-2025-season.jpg"></figure><h1>Predicting when Anthony Richardson will replace Daniel Jones as Colts QB during 2025 season</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-21T20:20:00-07:00">August 21st, 8:20pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-21T20:20:00-07:00">August 21st, 8:20pm</time><address><a>Troy Finnegan</a>Troy Finnegan is a Senior Editor and College Sports Lead at ClutchPoints. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2023 with a degree in journalism and minors in communications and sports media, as well as a critical sports studies certificate. He has had a passion for sports his entire life, and enjoys covering and writing about all sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback battle during training camp has come to an end, with new addition <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-qb1-anthony-richardson">Daniel Jones surprisingly winning the starting job</a> over Anthony Richardson. That came as a surprise to many, but the former top five pick seems to be on the outs in Indianapolis.</p><p>Richardson is entering his third season and has played in just 15 games over his first two years. while the production has been up-and-down at best and downright terrible at worst, the Florida product came into the league as a project quarterback with a high ceiling that was going to need some time to develop and get over those growing pains.</p><p>Now, the Colts are taking that opportunity away from Richardson at the start of this season and going with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-shane-steichen-why-trusted-revive-daniel-jones-career">Jones instead, who is looking to revive his career</a> after parting ways with the New York Giants during the 2024 season. The Duke product hasn’t lived up to his billing as a former top 10 pick so far in his career, but he has clearly made a strong impression on Shane Steichen and the rest of his staff at training camp and during the preseason.</p><p>This current regime of Chris Ballard and Steichen made a big bet on Richardson, and for now it seems like they are folding their cards on the young quarterback.</p><p>Even if Jones is able to produce something close to his best football, that feels like it would be middling quarterback play at best. That won’t be enough to get a Colts roster that has a lot of holes to where it wants to go, so Richardson could get called back into action at some point.</p><p>Let’s look at the Colts’ schedule and see when the youngster could finally get back on the field as the starter in Indianapolis.</p><h2><b>Look for Anthony Richardson to take over in Week 8</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Anthony-Richardson_5a64bf.jpg"><figcaption>© Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>With Jones playing in Steichen’s system for the first time this season, he will likely get a bit of a longer leash to start the season while he gets comfortable and gains familiarity with the ins and outs of the system.</p><p>However, that doesn’t mean that he will make it through the entire season. Jones has shown time and time again that the lows in his inconsistent game are far too low to justify the patches of steady play, especially when the highs are not very high. The Giants didn’t give him a great ecosystem to succeed, but he is hardly playing with an All-Star cast in Indianapolis either.</p><p>The biggest thing that has haunted Jones over the course of his career are the turnovers. He has thrown 47 interceptions and fumbled the ball 50 times in just six seasons while playing in only 70 games, so it’s clear that opposing defenses can take advantage of that when he is in the game.</p><p>Jones <a href="https://www.colts.com/schedule/" rel="noopener">will make his first start</a> for Indianapolis at home against the Miami Dolphins before getting thrown to the Wolves in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Jones and the Indianapolis offense will likely have a very difficult time with a Denver defense that could be the best in football this fall, but Steichen certainly wouldn’t pull the rip cord after just two games.</p><p>Fast forward a few weeks, and the Colts have to take on a frisky Arizona Cardinals squad in Week 6. A loss in that game would likely have them below .500 heading into a road clash in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Chargers.</p><p>The Chargers don’t have one of the most talented defenses in the NFL, but they still had one of the most efficient units in football last season thanks in part to new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Los Angeles will mix it up even more in year two playing in Minter’s complicated scheme and could cause problems for Jones.</p><p>Let’s say Jones has a couple of turnovers against a very good defense in Los Angeles and the Colts fall to 2-5 through seven games. In that case, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-anthony-richardson-breaks-silence-on-daniel-jones-qb1-decision">Steichen could choose to go back to Richardson</a> before a Week 8 clash with the Tennessee Titans.</p><p>Richardson would get to come in and play against a divisional opponent that he is familiar with in his first start of the season against an opponent that the Colts will have already game-planned for back in Week 3. He would then have to make a start against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons before getting a bye week to rest and reset.</p><p>Ultimately, Jones is probably the safer option for this Colts squad at this point. However, Richardson is still the player that gives them the highest ceiling, and this roster isn’t going to win a Super Bowl as constructed anyway. At some point, this regime needs a final answer on whether Richardson can be the guy to lead them to those heights, and they need it before next summer hits.</p><p>Putting the third-year quarterback out there in Week 8 would allow them to get that answer one way or another.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Predicting when Anthony Richardson will replace Daniel Jones as Colts QB during 2025 season

<!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-shane-steichen-why-trusted-revive-daniel-jones-career');   ga('set', 'title', 'Shane Steichen shares why Colts should be trusted to revive Daniel Jones’ career');   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.jpg"><figcaption>Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Shane Steichen shares why Colts should be trusted to revive Daniel Jones’ career</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-21T18:59:31-07:00">August 21st, 6:59pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-21T19:17:49-07:00">August 21st, 7:17pm</time><address><a>Mike Gianakos</a>Mike Gianakos is the former editor-in-chief of High Times magazine, where he also spearheaded the video department and event production. He is a longtime podcaster and even longer suffering NY Jets fan.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Indianapolis Colts were looking for a veteran quarterback to push third-year passer Anthony Richardson in training camp. After the Colts selected Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 draft, the former Florida standout failed to live up to expectations. Indianapolis brought in former New York Giants QB Daniel Jones to compete for the starting job. And after outperforming Richardson, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-qb1-anthony-richardson">Jones was named the Colts’ QB1</a>.</p><p>Like Richardson, Jones was an early first-round pick who flashed tantalizing upside but ultimately underachieved as a starter. So Colts head coach Shane Steichen was asked what makes his new quarterback situation different. Specifically, why should he be trusted to oversee a Jones revival after <a href="https://x.com/RomeovilleKid/status/1958670849185116649" rel="noopener">failing to develop</a> the talented yet underachieving QB he’s had in-house the last three years.</p><p>“I think when you go through a process, and Daniel’s going into year [seven] and had some highs there in New York, and then had some lows. But the way he’s attacked it. The communication that I’ve had with him, that Jim Bob [Cooter] has had with him, that Cam [Turner] has had with him. It’s been very fluid in that regard. So, I feel confident in that,” Steichen said, per The Athletic’s James Boyd.</p><h2><b>Can Daniel Jones succeed with the Colts?</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>While the coaching staff appears to favor Jones’ experience, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-indianapolis-fans-lose-their-minds-daniel-jones-anthony-richardson-decision">Colts fans are not thrilled with the decision</a>. The feeling is that Steichen and company essentially gave up on Richardson after just 15 starts over two seasons. And Indy is moving on from their former fourth overall pick for a quarterback that just got run out of New York.</p><p>Despite the starting gig appearing entirely up in the air just a week ago, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-shane-steichen-wont-have-short-leash-daniel-jones">Jones will not have a short leash</a>. Now that a decision has been made, the Colts are committing to the veteran signal caller. Steichen is hopeful that Jones will remain the starting QB for the entire 2025 season.</p><p>For his part, Richardson took the news well. He told reporters he respected the Colts’ choice, saying he would continue working on improving. Additionally, Jones winning the job <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-rumors-will-anthony-richardson-get-traded-losing-qb-battle-to-daniel-jones">doesn’t mean that Richardson will be traded</a>. He’s currently the team’s backup quarterback.</p><p>Of course, the Colts will have to make a decision on Richardson’s fifth-year option after the season. It’s unlikely that the team invests $15 million or so to keep Richardson as a backup. However, Jones is playing on a one-year deal in 2025. So the Colts could have yet another quarterback controversy in 2026.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Shane Steichen shares why Colts should be trusted to revive Daniel Jones’ career

<!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-qb-coach-reveals-why-indianapolis-can-win-daniel-jones');   ga('set', 'title', 'QB coach reveals why Colts can win with Daniel Jones');   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/Colts-quarterback-Daniel-Jones.jpg"><figcaption>Robert Goddin-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>QB coach reveals why Colts can win with Daniel Jones</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-20T15:21:31-07:00">August 20th, 3:21pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-20T15:21:31-07:00">August 20th, 3:21pm</time><address><a>Josue Pavon</a>Josue Pavon is an Associate Editor and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer for ClutchPoints. He started his career as a credentialed media member writing about the Boston Celtics for WEEI.com in Boston, where he grew into a local on-camera NBA reporter and podcast host for CLNS Media. Alongside the Celtics radio broadcaster and two-time NBA champion Cedric Maxwell, Josue is the co-host of the Cedric Maxwell podcast.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks coach Cam Turner endorsed his starting quarterback, Daniel Jones, ahead of the 2025 NFL season. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-players-daniel-jones-quality-stands-out-qb1-decision">Jones’ performance stood out amid the Colts’ QB1 decision</a>. Throughout the preseason, the former New York Giants QB has made his presence felt as he is reportedly closing in on the starting job ahead of the Colts’ preseason finale.</p><p>Turner <a href="https://twitter.com/RomeovilleKid/status/1958279729569550544" rel="noopener">explained</a> why he has the utmost confidence in Jones’ capabilities at quarterback, per The Athletic’s James Boyd.</p><p>“I would say his decision-making and the trust with him where the ball’s in the right spot, the right time, and he’s proven it through the spring, OTAs, through training camp,” Turner said. “It’s just the consistency. You know what you’re getting, you trust the decision-making, and the accuracy has been very good.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">I asked QBs coach Cam Turner why the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Colts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Colts</a> believe they can win with Daniel Jones considering his record (24-44-1) and questionable decision-making (85 total TDs/73 turnovers in 70 games).</p><p>“I would say his decision-making and the trust with him. The ball’s in the right spot …” <a href="https://t.co/FK3ghfNji1">pic.twitter.com/FK3ghfNji1</a></p><p>— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) <a href="https://twitter.com/RomeovilleKid/status/1958279729569550544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Jones, who was released by the Giants midseason last year after five inconsistent seasons throughout his NFL career, earned an opportunity with the Colts during the offseason. Jones went 2-8 in his final year with the Giants, throwing for 2,070 yards with a 63.3% completion rate and a 47.8 QB Rating. However, the Colts are confident things will be different amid a new environment and a second opportunity throughout the 2025 NFL season.</p><p>After a disappointing 2024 season for Anthony Richardson, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-qb1-anthony-richardson">the Colts announced Jones as their QB1</a>. Richardson, who was benched midseason last year, his second with the Colts, it was apparent that a drastic change was in order, which led to Indianapolis bringing in Jones for an opportunity to compete for QB1. The third-year quarterback dealt with injuries in his first year in the league.</p><p>While he saw a cleaner bill of health last season, Richardson struggled heavily as the full-time starter. He finished with a 47.7% completion rate, which led to lingering concerns about his accuracy.</p><h2><b>Colts players reveal Daniel Jones’ quality that stands out</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Colts-quarterback-Daniel-Jones-1.jpg"><figcaption>Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Colts quarterback Daniel Jones made a good impression on his new teammates and in his new surroundings. While QB coach Cam Turner gushed over Jones’ consistency, decision-making, and accuracy, Colts wide receiver AD Mitchell observed Jones’ work ethic and strong approach.</p><p>Mitchell talked about Jones’ early, yet practical, impact with the Colts, per Anthony Calhoun’s X, formerly Twitter.</p><p>“Smart football player,” Mitchell said. “Very demanding at quarterback. He’ll tell you what he wants you to do, and it’s an open dialogue there. His work ethic is phenomenal. So, I’m just looking forward to that carrying throughout the season.”</p><p>The Colts will face the Bengals in their preseason finale on Saturday.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

QB coach reveals why Colts can win with Daniel Jones

<!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-amon-ra-st-brown-shocked-daniel-jones-winning-indianapolis-qb');   ga('set', 'title', 'Amon-Ra St. Brown left shocked by Daniel Jones winning Colts QB job');   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/Colts-news-Amon-Ra-St.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Amon-Ra St. Brown left shocked by Daniel Jones winning Colts QB job</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-20T10:33:55-07:00">August 20th, 10:33am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-20T10:33:55-07:00">August 20th, 10:33am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Detroit Lions</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said he was <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-S-a7a_a48&amp;t=400s" rel="noopener">caught off guard</a> by the<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-qb1-anthony-richardson"> Indianapolis Colts’ decision to name veteran quarterback Daniel Jones as their starter</a> over Anthony Richardson.</p><p>On a recent episode of the St. Brown Podcast, the All-Pro receiver reflected on the surprise quarterback move.</p><p>“To me it was a shocker. Daniel Jones was named starting quarterback for the Colts over Anthony Richardson, who was in his third year,” St. Brown said. “A guy that got drafted, I think top five for the Colts, in his third year, like alright let’s bench him.”</p><p>The Colts selected Richardson, 23, with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In two seasons, the Florida product totaled 2,391 passing yards with an 11-to-13 touchdown-to-interception ratio while completing 50.6% of his passes on 348 attempts. He holds an 8-7 career record and a 67.8 passer rating across 15 games.</p><p>Richardson has also been effective on the ground, rushing for 635 yards and 10 touchdowns on 111 carries. However, ball security has remained an issue as he recorded nine fumbles, losing two. His tenure in Indianapolis has been marked by inconsistency and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-rumors-will-anthony-richardson-get-traded-losing-qb-battle-to-daniel-jones">speculation about his long-term role</a> as the franchise’s starter.</p><p>Jones, 28, enters his seventh NFL season after stints with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings. Drafted No. 6 overall by New York in 2019, he appeared in 70 games for the Giants, throwing for 14,582 yards and 70 touchdowns with 47 interceptions. His career completion percentage stands at 64.1%, and his passer rating is 84.3.</p><h2><b>Amon-Ra St. Brown reacts as Colts turn to Daniel Jones as starting QB</b></h2><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><p>Jones holds a 24-45-1 record as a starter but is credited with one playoff victory, a 31-24 road win over the Vikings in the 2022 postseason. While his mobility has been a strength — totaling 2,179 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns — turnovers have also been an issue. He has seven career fumbles lost on 399 rushing attempts.</p><p>The veteran quarterback finished the 2024 season on Minnesota’s roster but did not appear in a game after a <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/new-york-giants/giants-release-daniel-jones-after-turning-to-tommy-devito">midseason release from New York</a>. His return as a starter now comes in Indianapolis, where the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-rumors-insider-reveals-2-keys-that-stood-out-daniel-jones-qb1-win">Colts opted for experience over developing their young signal-caller</a>.</p><p>St. Brown recalled learning the news in the Lions’ locker room following a practice session.</p><p>“Low key I was like damn. We were in the locker room. We just got out of practice and one of my teammates was like, ‘Bro did you see that Daniel Jones is the starting quarterback.’ I was like, ‘That is crazy.’ If you actually think about it how he jumped around from different teams and now he’s a starter again.”</p><p>The Colts, still searching for stability at quarterback, will finish their preseason slate Saturday against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.</p><p>Rookie quarterbacks Riley Leonard and Jason Bean are expected to see extended playing time in the finale before the team shifts focus to Week 1. Indianapolis opens the regular season Sept. 7 at home against the Miami Dolphins.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Amon-Ra St. Brown left shocked by Daniel Jones winning Colts QB job

<!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-espn-picks-qb-2026-mock-draft-clean-up-daniel-jones-anthony-richardson-mess');   ga('set', 'title', 'ESPN picks QB in 2026 mock draft to clean up Colts’ Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson mess');   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/Colts-QB.jpg"><figcaption>Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>ESPN picks QB in 2026 mock draft to clean up Colts’ Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson mess</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-20T09:26:14-07:00">August 20th, 9:26am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-20T09:26:14-07:00">August 20th, 9:26am</time><address><a href="https://www.downeuclid.com">Evan Dammarell</a>Evan Dammarell is an award-winning sports journalist covering all things Cleveland, including the Cavs, right off the shores of Lake Erie. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2025 season with another major decision under center, naming Daniel Jones as <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-qb1-anthony-richardson">Indianapolis’s starting quarterback</a> over Anthony Richardson. The move underscored the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-anthony-richardson-breaks-silence-on-daniel-jones-qb1-decision">Colts’ continued struggle to find stability at the most important position</a>, and it could set the stage for yet another reset if neither Jones nor Richardson proves capable of carrying the offense forward.</p><p>According to ESPN’s <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/46008146/2026-nfl-mock-draft-field-yates-preseason-first-round-predictions-32-picks" rel="noopener">latest mock draft</a>, the Colts could once again look for answers in the draft, this time targeting Penn State quarterback Drew Allar with the No. 11 overall pick in 2026. The projection reflects the belief that Indianapolis may soon need a true franchise quarterback to build around, especially if the revolving door continues.</p><p>Allar brings prototypical size at 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, along with mobility, creativity, and a strong arm that has drawn NFL attention since his freshman year. He showed progress last season by throwing for 3,327 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while completing 66.5 percent of his passes. Scouts believe improved consistency and mechanics in 2025 could elevate him into the conversation with other top prospects such as LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Texas standout Arch Manning.</p><h2><b>The Colts haven’t figured out their quarterback dilemma</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Drew-Allar_85a7d0.jpg"><figcaption>Sam Navarro-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Colts veterans have been open about their frustration with the team’s constant quarterback turnover. Guard Quenton Nelson, who has blocked for 11 different starters since 2018, <a href="https://fox59.com/news/quenton-nelson-frustrated-by-colts-revolving-qbs-i-would-be-lying-if-i-said-i-wasnt/" rel="noopener">admitted the lack of continuity</a> has been an obstacle. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. echoed those concerns, noting that constant change has made it difficult to develop rhythm within the offense.</p><p>The Colts have not had a long-term answer at quarterback since Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement in 2019. Since then, the franchise has cycled through a series of short-term solutions, including Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan, and Gardner Minshew, only to find itself back in the same position.</p><p>Whether Jones can revive his career or Richardson can regain his standing remains uncertain. If neither succeeds, Indianapolis may once again be forced to place its hopes in a first-round quarterback, with Drew Allar looming as one of the most intriguing names available in 2026.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

ESPN picks QB in 2026 mock draft to clean up Colts’ Daniel Jones, Anthony Richardson mess

<!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-players-daniel-jones-quality-stands-out-qb1-decision');   ga('set', 'title', 'Colts players reveal Daniel Jones’ quality that stands out amid QB1 decision');   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/Colts-QBs-Anthony-Richardson-Daniel-Jones-throwing-during-practice.jpg"><figcaption>Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Colts players reveal Daniel Jones’ quality that stands out amid QB1 decision</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-20T05:45:50-07:00">August 20th, 5:45am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-20T05:45:50-07:00">August 20th, 5:45am</time><address><a>Gerard Angelo Samillano</a>Gerard Angelo Samillano is an Associate Editor for ClutchPoints, with his focus primarily on the NBA, NFL, MLB and NCAA Football. When he's not writing for CP, Gerard can often be seen playing VALORANT or playing pick-up basketball.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback room was one of the major talking points of the 2025 NFL offseason. After the team <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/colts-rumors-how-very-sharp-daniel-jones-stood-out-anthony-richardson-absence">signed former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones</a>, questions arose about Anthony Richardson’s job security. After a dreadful second season that included a mid-season benching, would Richardson be able to keep his QB1 role against a veteran like Jones?</p><p>As it turns out, the answer was no. The Colts announced recently that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/colts-news-daniel-jones-qb1-anthony-richardson">Daniel Jones will be their QB1 for Week 1</a>, with Anthony Richardson serving as the backup. It appears that the former Giant has <a href="https://x.com/ACwishtv/status/1957856149245481472" rel="noopener">impressed both his coaches and teammates.</a> One of the qualities that impressed his teammates was his work ethic.</p><p>“Smart football player,” Colts wide receiver AD Mitchell said, according to Anthony Calhoun. “Very demanding at quarterback….His work ethic is phenomenal.”</p><p>After five up-and-down seasons with the New York Giants, Jones was released midway through the 2024 NFL season. He remained team-less until the end of the season, but was picked up by the Indianapolis Colts during the offseason. Jones went 2-8 in his final year in New York, throwing for 2,070 yards with a 63.3% completion rate and a 47.8 QB Rating.</p><p>On the other hand, Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has been a disappointment for the Colts so far. The third-year quarterback dealt with injuries in his first year in the league. While he saw a cleaner bill of health last season, Richardson struggled heavily as the full-time starter. Concerns about his accuracy (47.7% completion rate) and his field processing led Indiana to bench him for a few games.</p><p>The Colts didn’t do a lot of retooling on the offensive end this offseason. Their only major move was signing former Bengals and Bears running back Khalil Herbert. Their receiving core remains mostly the same, with Michael Pittman Jr. as the headliner along with Josh Downs, Mitchell, and Alec Pierce.</p><p>Richardson still has two years left in his rookie deal, including this year.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Colts players reveal Daniel Jones’ quality that stands out amid QB1 decision

<!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-anthony-richardson-breaks-silence-on-daniel-jones-qb1-decision');   ga('set', 'title', 'Colts’ Anthony Richardson breaks silence on Daniel Jones QB1 decision');   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/Anthony-Richardson-breaks-silence-on-Daniel-Jones-QB-decision.jpg"><figcaption>Credit: Robert Goddin</figcaption></figure><h1>Colts’ Anthony Richardson breaks silence on Daniel Jones QB1 decision</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-08-19T11:04:41-07:00">August 19th, 11:04am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-08-19T14:56:35-07:00">August 19th, 2:56pm</time><address><a href="https://www.facebook.com/chris.spiering.3" rel="facebook">Chris Spiering</a>Chris Spiering graduated from the University of San Diego with a Communication Studies Degree. He spent his final year as the Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris manages the betting team at ClutchPoints and contributes about the NFL, MLB, and NBA, but he follows most sports, including NCAA Basketball. Chris also covers San Diego State men's basketball for East Village Times.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Indianapolis Colts</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>On Tuesday, head coach Shane Steichen and the Indianapolis Colts made the decision to go with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-daniel-jones-qb1-anthony-richardson">Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback</a>. After drafting Anthony Richardson 4th overall in 2023, Richardson will now be the backup to Jones, who signed as a free agent this offseason after a short stint with the Minnesota Vikings. With how much Jones plays this season, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/vikings-news-how-minnesota-could-benefit-from-colts-daniel-jones-decision">Vikings could be the biggest beneficiaries of this decision</a>.</p><p>Shortly after the decision was made, Richardson broke the silence to the media.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Anthony Richardson on losing the quarterback battle: <a href="https://t.co/6lpfRNkie8">pic.twitter.com/6lpfRNkie8</a></p><p>— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) <a href="https://twitter.com/KBowen1070/status/1957848478639411221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>“You gotta respect the decision,” Richardson said. “They feel like he is a better fit for the team, better fit for the outcome of us winning, so you gotta respect it and keep working. It doesn’t undermine any of the hard work I have been putting in, and it doesn’t say that I haven’t improved. We just got to keep stacking on that and keep getting better.”</p><p>The Colts will take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, and Daniel Jones will likely play the entire game unless an injury occurs. The Colts could have some packages for Richardson in the red zone, but with Jones being a running quarterback as well, it seems that anything Richardson shows on the field, Jones can replicate it.</p><p>A lot of <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/indianapolis-colts/colts-news-indianapolis-fans-lose-their-minds-daniel-jones-anthony-richardson-decision">Colts fans lost their minds</a> this morning when Jones was announced as the starter.</p><p>“The Colts drafted a QB who they knew needed reps to improve and then have found every reason to give him none of those reps. Benched last season. Now Jones is starting.”</p><p>“The new standard here is going for 8 wins. So disappointing. Could not be less excited for the upcoming season.”</p><p>This season will be a brutal one for the Colts. But one thing is for certain, this team will compete and could surprise some.</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	-

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