5Qs, 5As with Stampede Blue: How does Daniel Jones have one of the NFL’s ‘easier jobs’?

The Los Angeles Rams must lick their wounds from last week’s debacle before taking on the undefeated Indianapolis Colts. Both teams are facing off for the first time since the Rams won a 29-23 overtime thriller in 2023. Puka Nacua scored his first career touchdown in that matchup, so he could be due for another big game this weekend.

Before we get too ahead of ourselves, I spoke with Stampede Blue’s Chris Shepherd regarding Indy’s red-hot offense, Daniel Jones and more. Much appreciation to Chris for taking the time to answer the 5Qs this week!

Q – The Colts are a surprising 3-0 to begin the year and have their offense to thank. Through three weeks, Indy is second in the NFL in yards and points, has zero turnovers and has punted once. What are some of the things that the Colts have done well offensively, and how sustainable do you think even a fraction of this production will be throughout the rest of the season?

A – Offensively the biggest thing (outside of Shane Steichen’s play calling) has been the execution. Rarely have there been plays that were disjointed or guys seemed to not be on the same page. Part of that is coaching, the other part of it is that the Colts have five solid offensive linemen, an elite running back and four wide receivers who are all very talented as well as being varied in their skill sets. The offense is very talented. Steichen is a good play caller. The only thing the team needed was a quarterback to keep the offense organized, distribute the ball consistently where it needs to go, and really, just don’t mess things up.

And Daniel Jones has done just that. He’s playing within himself and within the system.

How sustainable is it? Well, it isn’t. One punt every three games isn’t possible, I guess it’s not impossible but it is incredibly unlikely. It’s equally as unlikely that Daniel Jones won’t throw a single interception or be on the receiving end of a devastating strip-sack at some point. Jonathan Taylor, Tyler Warren, et. al, will fumble the ball at some point. So the current pace isn’t sustainable, but this offense, if healthy, does seem to be a very good one. Eventually Jones will have a bad game, eventually they won’t score 29+ points in a game, eventually the defense will make it impossible for the offense to keep up with the other team. Eventually.

Q – Daniel Jones is a major reason for the Colts’ hot start. He was a controversial pick as the team’s QB1 entering the year, but he has done more than enough to repay Shane Steichen’s confidence in him. What has Steichen done to unlock Danny Dimes (or should I say Indiana Jones)?

A – There are a few things, a couple of them I touched on above. Steichen has done a great job giving Jones answers to anything the defense throws...