Stampede Blue
The Indianapolis Colts finally snapped their Week 1 curse—and they did it in emphatic fashion against the Miami Dolphins. The defense suffocated Tua Tagovailoa and never let Miami find a rhythm, but in my opinion the real story was the surprising stellar play of Daniel Jones. From the opening drive, Jones looked decisive, in sync with his receivers, and in full command of the offense.
Below are several plays from his Week 1 performance that showcase every dimension of his game, courtesy of our own Chris Shepherd.
I love this throw from Jones. He scans the field well, doesn’t get happy feet or panicky in the pocket and throws a beautiful strike to him. The pass was thrown purposefully behind him, as it allowed Warren to put his back to the defender, which shielded him from a big hit.
This play might seem like nothing but to me it shows a nicely timed throw, with Downs hit right as he’s coming out of his cut/break. He leans him a bit outside too which helps him avoid the inside defenders.
I love the hitch from Jones to find a clean spot in the pocket and step up and away from an area that got muddled. The pass was perfectly thrown to Pittman in stride and leading him, which is exactly what you ask for on those type of passes.
This throw was ever so slightly outside, but it was perfectly timed. He threw the ball just as Mitchell was coming out of his break and Mitchell adjusted beautifully to the ball and made a spectacular catch. A recurring theme that emerged at this point and continued throughout the game was Jones’ comfort and great play coming out of play action. His fakes were nice and his footwork was beautifully rhythmic on those play action throws.
The hard count got to the Dolphins here and he makes a very easy throw to Pittman who was wide open. His footwork was very sloppy on this play as he was hoping and shuffling backwards, but at least when he set his feet and threw the ball, it came out accurately.
I don’t like the footwork again on the throw, but the throw is accurately delivered, so it’s hard to knock him. I think if he takes a 3 without a hitch, if he throws off the plant step, he can get the ball out accurately and on time, but nevertheless, the throw is well delivered here even if it’s a quarter or half second late.
Ballsy throw here with a safety over the top on Pierce, but he delivers a beautiful ball to the outside and Pierce makes an incredible adjustment on the catch. My guess is this was a predetermined read from him since it’s clear he’s looking right for the look and when his eyes shift back to the left the ball is already out of his hand. Once again, he’s working off play action and...
