It was another great performance for Daniel Jones, who picked up a key win and has the Colts sitting at the top of the AFC South. Jones’ simple play coupled with key throws in big situations contributed to the Colts’ success on offense and while Jonathan Taylor stole the show in the end, Jones’ good consistent play helped open up things in the run game.
The Colts went 6/13 on 3rd downs, a percentage that would rank them amongst the best in the NFL on a weekly basis. Through 2 games, the Colts rank 6th
in the NFL on 3rd downs and it’s no secret that 3rd down conversion percentage has a direct correlation to offensive success. Below are three great examples of his fine play on 3rd downs.
Videos courtesy of our own Chris Shepherd.
This was one of the game’s most crucial plays — even if it didn’t look like it at first. The conversion kept a two-minute drill alive that ended in a touchdown. Without it, the Colts would have punted back to Denver, who were moving the ball well and likely would’ve added points before halftime. Instead of facing a potential 15-point deficit, Jones’ play cut it to just one.
Although the drive ended in just three points, this play showcased the growing chemistry between Jones and Josh Downs. Downs turned in a steady 6-catch, 51-yard performance with several timely grabs. With so much talent at the Colts’ skill positions, he doesn’t need to be a superhero — just a dependable possession receiver. That’s exactly what he was in this game, and it’s clear Jones trusts him on key 3rd downs.
As the game wore on, the Broncos dialed up heavy pressure on 3rd and 4th downs, often sending two extra rushers and locking into tight man coverage. That directly challenged Jones’ accuracy and ball placement. Rather than panic, he stayed composed, found the right target, and delivered a strike — like this throw. Throwing to his right is the easier throw for a right-handed quarterback, but making that throw under pressure, on 4th-and-2, against tight man coverage is no small feat. Jones delivered an absolutely perfect ball to move the chains. It was the kind of play that not only extended the drive but underscored his growth into a quarterback who (apparently) thrives in high-pressure moments.
The 1st down moved the Colts into extended field goal range, all for Shane Steichen to run the ball 3 times and get only 3 yards!
Daniel Jones isn’t doing anything flashy. He’s not juking six defenders like Lamar, throwing no-look passes like Stafford, or extending plays like Mahomes. Instead, he’s keeping things simple — working through his first or second read and delivering accurate, well-timed throws. Most importantly, he’s moving the chains on third down. As mentioned earlier, the Colts rank among the NFL’s best in third-down conversions this season, and that’s a direct reflection of Jones’ steady play. It might not make highlight reels, but this kind of efficiency is exactly what the Colts need — consistent drives, sustained possessions, and a quarterback who doesn’t put the ball in harm’s way. That reliability is why the offense has found its rhythm early in the year.
