Daniel Jones, Shane Steichen given encouraging label following Week 1 dominance

At long last, the Indianapolis Colts put an end to their 12-year winless streak in season openers with a dominant 33-8 victory over the Miami Dolphins. 

Both head coach Shane Steichen and quarterback Daniel Jones were major reasons why the Colts were able to control the game for the full 60 minutes. Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano recognized their work, labeling the duo “winners.” 

“It appears that Steichen’s bold decision to bench Anthony Richardson in favor of Daniel Jones was the right one,” he wrote. “Maybe that’s a Week 1 overreaction because the Dolphins are really that bad, but Jones played within Steichen’s offensive scheme and the results speak for themselves.”

Jones went 22-of-29 for 272 passing yards and a combined three touchdowns (one passing, two rushing), and helped the Colts become the first NFL team since 1978 to score on every single one of their possessions. 

Manzano recalls the last time Steichen had solid quarterback play and how it nearly brought the Colts to the postseason. 

“Let’s not forget the last time Steichen received competent quarterback play, he nearly took the Colts to the playoffs with Gardner Minshew II as the starter,” he said. “If Jones continues protecting the football and leaning on his playmakers like running back Jonathan Taylor and rookie tight end Tyler Warren, perhaps that’s enough for Indianapolis to again contend for a playoff spot.”

While the early signs are really encouraging, it’s just one game against a poor defense. Jones has a much more difficult task at hand in Week 2, going up against the Broncos, who have a tough defense with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Pat Surtain II.