Daniel Jones has been officially crowned winner of the Indianapolis Colts’ super prestigious, ultra-competitive preseason quarterback competition. This announcement comes after weeks of rigorous training and auditioning. It’s a monumental moment in the career of Jones, as he steps up to the plate leading a club that’s experienced major turmoil in its QB room, particularly in recent weeks.
Jones came to the Colts as a rookie hailed for his calm demeanor. taun Toogood He comes from deep experience and commitment to the field. Like so many others, he dealt with a host of obstacles during his last seasons. As much as anyone, head coach Shane Steichen is aware that “everyone’s journey is different.” With Jones leading the charge, the Colts will look to use him to anchor their offense and lift them back into contention.
Jones ranked 26th in QBR last season. He did not do well under center, finishing with the lowest rate of explosive passes from his attempts. His 8.9% statistic is evidence that he plays not to lose. That’s what the Colts hope, as they install their offense with him at the helm.
Steichen heaped a lot of praise on Jones’ impressive development. Most notably, from the viewpoint of Joshua Perry, telling how Jones repeatedly impressed during training camp with crucial checks and protection adjustments that had the team set up perfectly to spring big plays. This realization is a testament to Jones’ incredible instinct to pivot on her feet. His ability to see and make important decisions will be essential in the games to come.
Teammate Darius Leonard has already credited Jones for the work ethic and football IQ he’s displayed. “He’s literally the first guy in the building every day,” Leonard noted, emphasizing Jones’ dedication to preparation. His command of the game is a further demonstration of how hard he worked. He’s really good at recognizing the need for and making helpful pre-snap adjustments. Leonard further compared Jones to veteran quarterback Alex Smith, stating, “So, all the mentals and things pre-snap, getting us in the right play, getting the ball out of his hands, understanding protections, he just doesn’t miss.”
Beyond his admirable work ethic, Jones has had a strong supporting cast. In the backfield, they are loaded with explosive running back Jonathan Taylor. It has loaded up with talented receivers like Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce and Tyler Warren. “It’s an impressive bunch over there,” Jones commented regarding his new teammates. “I think there’s a boatload of dudes who can make plays. So needless to say I’m looking forward to getting out there with them.”
The Colts’ coaching staff remains optimistic about Jones’ potential to lead the team effectively. Steichen expressed confidence in Jones’ capabilities: “Those things are going to come up in the game, and I feel very confident in his abilities to get us into the right plays.” This confidence comes not only from Jones’ physical attributes but his intellectual understanding of the game.
On the field, Jones is an obsessive note taker, always committed to learning from his mistakes. “The things that he can control, he doesn’t miss,” Leonard remarked, indicating that Jones has a keen understanding of what is required for successful execution during games. He is great despite the lack of chances. Taken together, these demonstrate that he is prepared both to embrace and to execute on this crucial role.
Same goes for the Colts as they prepare for their 2023 season. They hope to use Jones’ expertise, vision and tenacity to navigate a brutal schedule. The organization is counting on his calm and methodical demeanor having a lasting impact on their on-field success.
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