Quarterbacks turn the ball over. Houston’s defense causes turnovers. Because of that, it makes total sense that a quarterback facing the vaunted Texans’ defense would turn the ball over, and that is exactly what Daniel Jones did on Sunday. If he and the Indianapolis Colts hope to create a winning streak, however, he will have to be better.
Jones had three turnovers on the day. Two of them were unacceptable. When the offensive line can’t block Will Anderson or Danielle Hunter, it makes it hard on a quarterback,
so the first fumble can be forgiven. It’s the interception to start the third quarter that creates concern. The Colts had a chance to extend their lead to two scores, but on third down, with a defender barreling towards him, Jones chucked the ball into the air. It was intercepted and kept the Texans needing only a touchdown to take the lead.
That wasn’t the worst of it, however. The Colts had control late in the fourth quarter. They were up six and driving on the Texans’ side of the field, looking to put this one on ice. With less than five minutes remaining, Jones changed the play and had Jonathan Taylor open in the flat. Instead of getting it to him in space, of which there was plenty, Jones held the ball and was stripped. The Texans marched down the field and scored the go-ahead touchdown.
Of course, we all know the ending, but that doesn’t mean all’s well that ends well. There was no guarantee the Colts would get into field goal range or that Spencer Shrader would make the game winning 53-yard field goal. It worked out, but that doesn’t mean it always will. Daniel Jones must take better care of the ball if the Colts want to win.
