Stampede Blue
The Indianapolis Colts are at home to take on the Miami Dolphins in week 1 of the 2025 season, kickoff is at 1:00 p.m. EST.
There’s a new starting quarterback in Indianapolis (I’m sure you’ve heard about it) and this will be Daniel Jones’ first crack at leading the 2025 Colts. Enough digital ink has been spilled about this situation, I don’t intend to add more but I want it on record that I believe Jones, if everything else around him is right, the defense plays well, the running game is working, the offensive line is good and Steichen is calling well timed plays, well Daniel Jones can win you those games. I’m not sure he’ll win you many without those things, and that was the allure of Anthony Richardson, the raw talent, if ever tapped gave you that as the upside, but they want to win games now and they believe Jones will help them do that. Time will tell.
As for the other 52 guys on the roster, there’s plenty to look forward to this week. I’m probably most excited to see how this defensive backfield performs against a very good Miami Dolphins receiving corps. While I’m looking forward to seeing it, it’s important to remember this is a group of 5 guys (on the field at the same time, most of the time) and only Kenny Moore and Nick Cross played together last year. It’s also important to remember that none of them played in Lou Anarumo’s system last year, either. It could be a rough outing. But if it’s not, well kids, we might start going to the bathroom when the offense is on the field instead of the other way around.
I’m looking forward to watching Laiatu Latu. The Colts are banking on Latu taking a step forward as a pass rusher and today against the Dolphins, will be as good of an opportunity to prove that he has, as any. The Dolphins offensive line has been as maligned as any in the league over the past… 5… 10 years? And they don’t seem to have fixed their issues upfront, at least not completely. It’s been multiple seasons since the Dolphins listed starting 5 have all played in a game together. If the Colts pass rush is going to have an impact this season, this would be a great time for it to show up.
I’m excited to watch Tyler Warren in real game action. Also, don’t expect the world from Warren, at least not yet. We live in a post-Bowers world but it’s still true that NFL tight ends typically take time to develop and Warren isn’t likely to be different. I’m excited to see what the kid has but I’m not expecting 6 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. You shouldn’t either.
I’m anxious to watch the right side of the line. Matt Goncalves steps in for his first start at right guard next to Braden Smith. Smith I’m not as worried...
