To fully understand how Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones feels right now, he would have to close his ears to the world around him. The New York Giants turned him into their first-round selection in the 2019 Draft. Ever since, he’s been under a microscope due to the enormous expectations that come with being drafted No. Jones was signed by the Indianapolis Colts this spring. Fast forward to now, he’s at a big crossing point in his career, the way he plays down the stretch largely dictating future contract talks.
All that despite Jones enjoying what many consider the best season of his career. He’s been doing that to the tune of some career-best numbers so far, most notably the completion percentage of 69.1%. In fact, he’s already set career highs in a number of key metrics. His yards per attempt is 8.1, his yards per game is 258.2 and his overall QBR is 65.9. Through week eight, Jones was the best quarterback versus the blitz. He did it while notching an incredible QBR of 93.4, good for second in the entire NFL.
Yet, notwithstanding these accomplishments, his recent performances have somewhat sullied his advances on the whole. In a recent outing, he struggled once the game reached the fourth quarter. He only finished with three completions on eight attempts for a paltry 17 yards. Even more alarming around the league is the seeming lack of production just as the Colts are approaching the season’s most critical final weeks. A couple of weeks ago, Jones really struggled in a game against Pittsburgh. On top of it all, he had five turnovers, which further complicated matters.
Here, Jones recognizes the responsibility on him to do better saying, “I’ve got to do a better job.” His candid admission highlights his awareness of the challenges he faces and the pressure that comes with being a quarterback in today’s NFL.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen admitted the challenges that come in such a unique season. He noted, “They got a really freaking good pass rush,” referring to the challenges posed by opposing defenses that have targeted Jones aggressively.
As Jones navigates through this season filled with high expectations and intense pressure, he remains focused on delivering strong performances. And even when facing those setbacks, his offensive coordinator, Jim Bob Cooter said before the move that Jones had the ability to overcome adversity. “I think everything I’ve seen out of Daniel Jones, he’s a man that handles adversity well,” Cooter stated, emphasizing the quarterback’s resilience.
The Colts organization understands that how well Jones plays these last three games will be key. They’ll have to depend on his influence to inform their future judgment. Contract negotiations are just around the corner. Each game is an opportunity for Jones to continue proving his playmaking ability and lock down a bright future in Indianapolis.
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