Colts QB Daniel Jones needs to regain form vs. Texans

INDIANAPOLIS — Skepticism and Daniel Jones have been a package deal for most of his NFL career.

The 2019 New York Giants first-round pick and current Indianapolis Colts quarterback has spent the majority of his career being judged harshly based on draft position. And when he signed with the Colts this spring, there was considerable doubt that he would be able to provide the quarterback solution the Colts were seeking.

Then, he took the league by storm, becoming one of the NFL’s top passers in several key categories and helping establish the Colts (8-3) as one of the AFC’s top teams.

But now, with the Colts trying to bounce back from two losses in three games, during which their offensive attack struggled, and with a brutal stretch to close the season, Jones is once again facing doubts.

How he performs this time around will likely determine where he goes from here.

The questions are understandable. There was a five-turnover performance in Pittsburgh earlier this month. Following Sunday’s 23–20 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Colts’ offense stalled late, helping Kansas City overcome a 20–9 deficit in the fourth quarter.

“I have to do a better job,” Jones said.

But it will have to do so against a final slate of opponents that includes two games against both the Houston Texans (6-5) and Jacksonville Jaguars (7-4), as well as matchups with the San Francisco 49ers (8-4) and Seattle Seahawks (8-3).

How Jones responds will be important.

Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter said, “I think everything I’ve seen in Daniel Jones is he’s a guy who handles adversity well.” “He’s very consistent. He’s very dependable. The nature of this business is to go through adversity, come out on the other side.”

Jones is enjoying the best season of his career. He currently has career highs in completion rate (69.1%), yards per attempt (8.1), yards per game (258.2) and QBR (65.9).

But with the AFC South standings tight – the Colts now have just a one-game lead over the Jaguars – and given the recent offensive situation, questions are bound to arise.

For example, Jones and the Colts’ performance against the blitz recently has been remarkable.

While they had great offense early on and dominated defense when Jones sent in additional pass rushers, things have definitely fallen apart lately. In Weeks 1–8, when the Colts started 7–1, Jones had the NFL’s second-highest QBR when facing blitzes (93.4). In the weeks that followed, he ranked 22nd (31.0).

This was a significant factor in the Colts’ inability to gain a first down in the final 18 minutes of regulation time against the Chiefs. The Colts finished the game with three of four consecutive possessions, including one in overtime. Jones completed 3 of 8 passes for 17 yards after the third quarter.

It was hardly all his fault. A pass was dropped by receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and there were instances when the Chiefs’ attack overwhelmed Jones. But he also did not do his work.

“I think you have to be precise,” Jones said. “They’re bringing pressure and trying to get you hot. Sometimes it happens a little quicker than you expect. You still have to be accurate and find a way to make plays. I’ve got to do a better job of that.”

Now, Jones and the Colts feel the need to fix all that with the NFL’s No. 1 defense coming to Indianapolis on Sunday. The first of two upcoming meetings with the Texans will be a tough task for the Colts as Houston is only allowing 16.5 points per game.

“He got a really good pass,” Colts coach Shane Steichen said. “Daniel Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. are as good as they are right now on the sidelines. … So, it’s going to be a big challenge for us.”

There will be a lot of eyes on Jones as he attempts to end the season the same way he started it. Here too a lot depends on the result. In addition to the Colts’ fate, Jones also has anticipated contract talks with the Colts, who have indicated they would like to retain him beyond his current one-year contract. Jones’ performance will certainly influence those negotiations.

All it takes is a few underwhelming performances to fuel skepticism in the NFL. But the Colts remain steadfast in their belief that the real Jones is the one they saw through the first eight weeks of the season.

“Daniel will handle it well,” Cooter said.