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Stampede Blue fantasy football takes on Daniel Jones
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Stampede Blue about Daniel Jones.
80
Insights
21
Positive
40
Negative
Insight ledger
All Stampede Blue insights about Daniel Jones
NegativeProjectionOct 28, 2026
Through seven games, Jones has thrown just four touchdowns compared to seven interceptions, a significant departure from his 2025 form. In Week 8 loss to Minnesota, he completed 13 of 22 passes for 108 yards and threw a costly interception on the team's final possession, prompting questions about whether Shane Steichen should consider a quarterback change despite the coach maintaining confidence in Jones.NegativeProjectionOct 27, 2026
Jones faced the Vikings' 85.2% blitz rate—the highest rate since tracking began—and collapsed under pressure: 4 sacks, 108 passing yards, and a game-clinching interception in a 16-10 loss. The source notes Jones 'buckled' when the Colts needed a touchdown to take the lead, illustrating his inability to perform under mounting atmospheric and physical pressure as the game tightened.NegativeProjectionOct 27, 2026
Jones completed 13 of 22 pass attempts (59%) for 108 yards and 1 INT in Week 7 against Minnesota's dominant blitz-heavy defense, posting a minuscule 4.9 YPA. The source notes this blitz vulnerability has plagued Jones since midseason last year and that he must provide consistently average to good starting QB play for the Colts to win games.NegativeProjectionOct 27, 2026
The source assesses Daniel Jones as broken both physically and mentally, stating "I don't think we can win a game this year with him, as his current physical and confidence levels are nowhere near 100%." Jones cannot get behind or around defenses, and the source notes he may welcome benching given his awareness of his limitations. While the league has seen Jones recover from similar states before, his current trajectory makes him unsuitable for franchise-tag consideration at 50+ million.NegativeProjectionOct 25, 2026
Jones finished 13 of 22 for just 108 passing yards, throwing his seventh decisive interception to end the final drive; the source notes the offense failed to finish drives and the franchise QB is under pressure, with coach Shane Steichen stating he has not considered a QB change despite the poor performance and the team's 2-5 record.NegativeProjectionOct 25, 2026
Starting quarterback for the Colts is expected to regain his first-half 2025 form, but the source expresses concern that he has looked closer to the inconsistent, turnover-prone quarterback he was with the New York Giants rather than the breakout player the Colts signed after his brief stint with the Vikings; inconsistency and turnover risk remain fantasy concerns.NegativeRoleOct 23, 2026
The source identifies Jones' contract dead money and recovery from achilles injury as a core decision point for the Colts' new GM in 2026. The source frames keeping Jones as an option—declining to absorb dead money and giving him another year removed from injury to find his groove under Steichen—but notes it "doesn't sound appealing to anyone reading." However, the source also believes Jones can return to form with proper supporting cast and structure, suggesting the 2026 season is about more than Jones despite his early-season struggles.NegativeRoleOct 23, 2026
The source presents Daniel Jones as a key quarterback decision point for the new Colts GM; one path involves declining the dead money on his contract and giving him another year removed from his Achilles injury to find his groove under Shane Steichen, though the source acknowledges this doesn't sound appealing but remains an option. The source believes with proper supporting cast and structure, Jones can still return to form.NegativeProjectionOct 21, 2026
Jones faced a fair amount of pressure but generally took longer than average to get rid of the ball, which means he invited a lot of the pressure himself (13th PR%; 10th TIP; 6th TTT). He was sacked six times, taking away a significant amount of potential passing production (5th SCK%).NegativeProjectionOct 21, 2026
Jones attacked downfield aggressively, throwing deeper than almost anyone in the league (2nd ADOT at 11.5 air yards per attempt), but had trouble connecting; his completions came at a much more ordinary depth. He has struggled throwing the ball downfield throughout the season, with below-average efficiency at just about every depth and across all areas of the field.NegativeProjectionOct 21, 2026
Jones was responsible for two turnovers in Week 6, throwing two interceptions both costly negative plays, giving him one of the highest turnover rates of the week (4th TO%). His anemic second-half passing performance pretty much sealed the Colts' fate.NegativeProjectionOct 21, 2026
Jones struggled to complete passes consistently, finishing near the bottom of the league in adjusted completion rate (29th AC%) and completion percentage over expected (22nd CPOE), which means his incompletions aren't just because of long throws. On the season, he has struggled at nearly every depth other than screen passes.NegativeProjectionOct 21, 2026
Jones has been trending downward with increasingly inconsistent performance; after a strong Week 2, his overall efficiency and yardage production have fallen considerably, while his success rate and first-down production have also slipped below average. All four key measures (EPA/P, QBSR, AYPA, 1ST%) remain below league average, suggesting a broader decline rather than just one bad game.NegativeProjectionOct 19, 2026
Daniel Jones is struggling as the eighth different season opener starter over the last 10 seasons for the Colts, reflecting the franchise's persistent quarterback instability and Jones's inability to establish himself as a reliable fantasy option in Indianapolis's dysfunctional offense.NegativeRoleOct 19, 2026
Daniel Jones as the quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts is on incredibly thin ice following the team's loss to the winless Titans at home, dropping to 2-4. The source states Jones doesn't have the juice and is a key factor in the organization's need for a reset, suggesting potential benching or role uncertainty amid coaching and personnel upheaval.NegativeUsageOct 18, 2026
Threw an interception in the Colts' loss to the Titans; the turnover was part of a sequence of critical mistakes (fumble, interception, blocked punt TD) that the Colts could not overcome despite tying the game late in the fourth quarter.NegativeProjectionOct 18, 2026
Jones was terrible in the loss to Tennessee with poor decision-making and weak arm strength; his performance deteriorated quickly under pressure. Entering the game, he had only 3 touchdown passes against 4 interceptions in 5 games while averaging 5.8 yards per attempt with a 73.6 passer rating. The source notes he showed some talent against Kansas City and Houston, but the overall trend has been ugly. While he played legitimately good football in 2025 before his Achilles injury, he is not the answer for the Colts' offense in 2026, and the coaching staff has not adjusted the offense to compensate for his struggles against pressure and the depleted receiving corps.PositiveProjectionOct 18, 2026
Daniel Jones showed turnover improvement in Week 5, recording zero turnovers after turning the ball over seven times in the team's first four games. The source notes this is noteworthy given the historically poor turnover rate, suggesting improved ball security could support offensive consistency going forward.PositiveProjectionOct 17, 2026
Took a step in the right direction despite the loss to Pittsburgh; the source found it odd the amount of criticism Jones received after the game. While the box score wasn't overly generous and he wasn't lights out, Jones can be good enough to win games but needs better support. The Colts lost the battle up front, couldn't run the ball, and lacked receiver talent, forcing Jones to drop back 40+ times with no run game—a formula that doesn't work for most QBs. The source compares Jones to Sam Darnold, noting that without a proper run game, QBs are exposed to more hits and tougher tight window throws. The source is not closing the book on Jones playing better, especially as he gains more reps to trust his achilles.NegativeProjectionOct 15, 2026
The source evaluates Jones' performance against the Steelers as disappointing despite zero turnovers (improvement from five turnovers in 2025 matchup), but argues that avoiding turnovers alone is an insufficient standard for quarterback success. The source contends Jones 'isn't the answer' and 'isn't going to drag the Colts to greatness,' framing his zero-turnover game as a low bar rather than genuine progress; the Colts lost despite the turnover improvement, with the final score 'somehow worse' than the prior year.NegativeValueOct 14, 2026
Daniel Jones was re-signed to a 2-year, potentially $100 million deal with incentives in the offseason; the Colts structured the deal as a 2-year contract because they anticipated Jones may not fully regain his physical form from the first half of 2025 until later in 2026 or possibly not until 2027. The 2026 season was viewed as a potential redshirt year for Jones's recovery, which is why his representation pushed for and received a 2-year deal. However, if the Colts move on from Jones, they face a $35.2 million 2027 dead cap hit regardless, and without a 2027 first-round pick and lacking free agent QB upgrades, they may remain tied to Jones for another year.NegativeProjectionOct 14, 2026
Daniel Jones's 2026 performance has been underwhelming through five games with noticeable arm strength decline and reduced physical explosiveness post-Achilles tear; he appears to lack confidence stepping into throws in the pocket and is not rushing effectively outside the pocket. At 29 years old in Year 8, Jones has not carried the offense and is playing around average league starting quarterback level—neither hurting nor helping the Colts win. The best endorsement from fans after the Pittsburgh loss was that he didn't turn the ball over, which is not a ringing endorsement for a starting QB. Jones's improved play and value to the Colts is tied to being paired with head coach Shane Steichen; if Steichen is fired, Jones's value becomes questionable despite a $35.2 million 2027 dead cap hit.NegativeProjectionOct 13, 2026
Jones faced less than average pressure (21st PR%) even though his time to throw was right about average (20th TIP), indicating the O-Line gave him decent protection. His time to throw returned to roughly league average in Week 5 after being unusually quick the previous week due to pressure. Season-long, he's getting the ball out faster than expected for the depth of his targets, which is a positive.PositiveProjectionOct 13, 2026
On the positive side, Jones avoided turnovers entirely and took just one sack, which helped preserve yardage and offset some of the negatives. He was much more consistent than the previous week, with successful plays on 43.8% of his QB plays (18th QBSR). Without more completions or explosive plays, that consistency wasn't enough to generate much value, but the avoidance of costly mistakes was a step forward.PositiveProjectionOct 13, 2026
Jones' biggest problem in Week 5 was accuracy; despite throwing much deeper than usual (11.5 ADOT, 2nd in league), his 57.1% adjusted completion rate (31st AC%) pulled down his efficiency. His accuracy was particularly poor on throws over 20 yards, and even after accounting for target difficulty, his completion rate remained below expectations (24th CPOE), continuing a troubling trend over the past several weeks.NegativeProjectionOct 13, 2026
Jones bounced back from Week 4's disastrous performance, improving across all top four measures; his EPA per play returned to roughly league average (21st EPA/P), while his success rate (18th QBSR), first-down rate (24th 1ST%), and net yards per play (18th NY/D) also recovered. However, all four measures remain at or below average, and the longer-term trend is still moving downward. Week 5 was an improvement, but Jones has yet to regain the promising form he showed last year.NegativeUsageOct 12, 2026
Jones completed 24 of 44 passes Sunday and avoided turnovers, but the offense could not capitalize with excellent field position or inside the red zone. The source notes the Colts' offensive struggles were compounded by the inability to establish the running game and multiple scoring opportunities from close range being wasted.NegativeRoleOct 12, 2026
Jones led a drive that reached the Pittsburgh 10-yard line but threw three straight incompletions near the goal line, forfeiting momentum and preventing a potential go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter; the source frames this as a missed opportunity that could have changed the game outcome.NegativeProjectionOct 11, 2026
Jones threw 44 times but managed only 267 passing yards and 0 passing touchdowns in the Colts' 34-22 loss to Pittsburgh; while he protected the ball with 0 turnovers, the source characterizes him as merely serviceable to average, unable to elevate teammates or cover roster deficiencies the way franchise greats like Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck did.NegativeProjectionOct 11, 2026
Jones completed 24-of-44 pass attempts for 267 passing yards as an eighth-year veteran; the source notes he managed to protect the football against a defense that entered Sunday with eight takeaways (second-most in the league), though there were moments where his pass selection felt intended to avoid turnovers rather than maximize efficiency.NegativeMatchupOct 10, 2026
In the Colts' previous matchup against Pittsburgh, Daniel Jones committed 5 turnovers out of the team's 6 total turnovers, marking a turning point that began the Colts' downfall. For Sunday's rematch, the source emphasizes that Jones must avoid a repeat performance—a nearly perfect and polar opposite showing is required for the Colts to have a realistic chance to win in Pittsburgh.NegativeProjectionOct 9, 2026
The source acknowledges Jones has played poorly through 4 games with horrific turnovers and fumbles plaguing his performance, but argues he can and probably will play better. The source notes that benching Jones is illogical given the Colts paid him $90 million over two years and the staff's job security depends on his success, not on reverting to Anthony Richardson. The source attributes some turnover issues to defensive pressure (strip sacks by Odafe Oweh and Will Anderson Jr.) rather than pure QB error, suggesting the underlying ability remains despite current poor play.NegativeRoleOct 8, 2026
Daniel Jones has flat out turned the ball over too often; his history shows 63 fumbles in 86 starts, and he fumbled last week without actually getting hit. Blame is split between Jones' past turnover difficulties, offensive line performance, and Steichen's play calling, but ball security remains a critical concern for QB play and team efficiency.NegativeProjectionOct 7, 2026
Jones posted his worst quarter-and-a-half performance against the Commanders, going 19/34 for only 143 yards with multiple turnovers. His average attempt depth was the shortest in the league at 3.8 yards per play. While pressure contributed to the struggles, the source attributes much of Jones's decline to Pierce's absence; Jones averaged over 8 yards per attempt last year with Pierce on the field, indicating Pierce's presence opens the offense and allows Jones to take deeper shots downfield.PositiveProjectionOct 5, 2026
Jones looked shaky in the first 1.5 quarters, committing a fumble on a weird sack and throwing an interception off his back-foot under duress to Rasul Douglas. The source contends Jones looked like the failed franchise quarterback hopeful who was too turnover-prone with the New York Giants, rather than the breakout quarterback seen in his Indianapolis debut's first half. One more brutal turnover would have prompted serious consideration of Anthony Richardson as a replacement. Jones cannot play that way again in Pittsburgh next week.NegativeProjectionOct 5, 2026
Jones was named the dud of the game after a turnover-plagued performance: strip-sacked by Odafe Oweh on the second snap from scrimmage, then threw an interception off his back foot to Rasul Douglas. This marked his eighth turnover-worthy play through four games. He finished 19 of 34 for just 143 passing yards, though he did scramble for a 4-yard touchdown. The early fumble gave Washington the ball near the Colts' red zone and put the Colts in a 6-0 hole before he settled in.NegativeBustOct 5, 2026
Daniel Jones has recorded seven turnovers across four games with five in the last two games, including fumbles on the second play of the Colts-Commanders game and an interception thrown off his back foot under pressure. The source characterizes this turnover rate as unsustainable, noting it resembles the problematic second half of 2025 Jones and stating the Colts cannot win with this version of the quarterback. The source emphasizes that at least two fumbles and both interceptions were avoidable mistakes, and Jones must protect the ball and play smarter for the Colts to survive against better teams that will punish these errors.NegativeRoleOct 5, 2026
Concerning play from Daniel Jones continues as a mild theme; turnovers and lack of positive ball movement were the story for the Colts offense in the first half, raising questions about his ability to move the ball effectively.NegativeProjectionOct 4, 2026
Jones finished 19-of-34 for 143 passing yards, threw an interception, and lost a fumble on the second snap from scrimmage when Commanders linebacker Odafe Oweh rushed left tackle Bernhard Raimann into his stepback; he did run for a 4-yard touchdown and connected with tight end Tyler Warren and Ashton Dulin on key third-down conversions.NegativeProjectionOct 4, 2026
Starting quarterback Daniel Jones got off to a dreadful start with the Colts managing only 1 offensive yard on their first three drives; Jones had a bizarre fumble on the opening drive after left tackle Bernhard Raimann got blown up, then threw an interception off his backfoot under pressure to Rasul Douglas with 9:59 left in the second quarter. He finished 19 of 34 for 143 passing yards, 0 touchdowns, 1 interception, and 1 fumble lost. While Jones settled down somewhat, he was not very good in this one.PositiveProjectionOct 3, 2026
Jones has a historical edge against Washington with a 5-3-1 record against the Commanders; Hogs Haven notes he seems to have a chip on his shoulder against Washington and always plays his best games against them, citing that his record looks better on paper because he was frequently playing on a collapsing Giants team. This historical trend informs the prediction of crazy Daniel Jones plays to keep the Colts in the game and pull off a last-minute win.NegativeMatchupOct 3, 2026
Colts QB's mobility is noted as a potential weapon against Commanders' zone-heavy defense; Hogs Haven suggests using read option plays to exploit the defense's vulnerability to running QBs, similar to how Jalen Hurts demonstrated this weakness in Week 1.NegativeProjectionOct 2, 2026
Jones had a plethora of turnovers vs. the Texans; the source identifies his primary issue as drifting backwards in the pocket before throwing, which gets him into trouble before the ball is even released. Even elite arm-strength QBs like Patrick Mahomes struggle with this mechanic because offensive linemen lose track of the QB's launch point.NegativeProjectionSep 30, 2026
Daniel Jones played bad enough to lose in Week 3. He ranked 27th in net yards per drive, 26th in net yards per play, 23rd in EPA per play, and 27th in touchdown percentage while ranking 3rd in turnovers (one interception and two lost fumbles on sacks). His completions were relatively short and produced little after the catch (25th AY/C, 20th YAC, 26th YCOE, 26th YD/C), and he failed to generate downfield production despite facing average pressure. His recent trend continues to move in the wrong direction, with ability to produce successful plays declining from last season while overall value and net yardage have also declined.NegativeRoleSep 30, 2026
Jones had three turnovers (two fumbles, one interception) against Houston's defense on Sunday. The first fumble came under pressure from Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, which is forgivable; however, the interception on third down in the third quarter—when he chucked the ball into the air with a defender barreling toward him—kept the Texans needing only a touchdown to take the lead. Most critically, late in the fourth quarter with the Colts up six and driving, Jones changed the play with Jonathan Taylor open in the flat but held the ball instead of getting it to Taylor in space, resulting in a strip sack that allowed the Texans to score the go-ahead touchdown. The source emphasizes that while Spencer Shrader's game-winning 53-yard field goal salvaged the win, there was no guarantee the Colts would get into field goal range, and Jones must take better care of the ball if the Colts want to win.NegativeProjectionSep 28, 2026
Colts QB delivered a mixed performance: threw 3 fumbles (two caused by Anderson Jr. strip-sacks, both lost), and an interception on a duck thrown under duress to Texans safety Reed Blankenship early in the 3rd quarter. Ball security has been a consistent issue dating back to his Giants days. However, when pressured on 46.3% of his dropbacks, Jones completed 9 of 15 for 115 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT, performing well despite constant pressure. He navigated the Colts into scoring position for the game-winning field goal with two critical completions to wideouts in the final drive.PositiveProjectionSep 28, 2026
Daniel Jones executed an excellent throw with adjusted footwork and timing to Laquon Treadwell on the game-winning drive. Rather than a textbook three-step drop, Jones took a modified drop with a typical drive step followed by three steps, then added a small shuffle to buy more time before hitching up twice in the pocket. The source explains that Jones adjusted to Treadwell's slower pace, giving the 15-yard dig route enough time to develop and staying patient rather than forcing the ball before the window opened. Once Treadwell got into the hole between the linebackers and deep coverage, Jones stepped up and delivered the ball on time. The source credits the design, Treadwell's execution, and Jones' patience as the three elements that made the play work at the biggest point of the game.NegativeProjectionSep 27, 2026
Finished 24-of-36 for 235 passing yards and one touchdown; took four sacks, lost two fumbles, and threw an interception caught by Reid Blankenship near the goal line; led the Colts to victory despite a -3 turnover margin, becoming the first Colts team this century to win under those circumstances; converted a fourth-down keeper by running around the edge and powering through cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.NegativeUsageSep 27, 2026
Colts starting QB struggled with ball security, recording three turnovers on the afternoon including two strip-sacks by Texans edge Will Andersen (both lost fumbles) and another fumble recovered; however, made key late-game completions including a 20-yard pass to Laquon Treadwell and a 6-yard pass to Keenan Allen to set up the game-winning field goal.NegativeUsageSep 27, 2026
Has only attempted 14 passes of 10+ air yards through two weeks, indicating a conservative downfield passing approach. With Alec Pierce now out, the Colts' passing game will struggle to produce without finding an answer to stretch the field and stress the Texans secondary.PositiveProjectionSep 24, 2026
Outside of one brutal interception, Jones was tremendous in Week 2 primetime at Kansas City, particularly in the second half. He executed difficult throws under pressure from Spags' blitz schemes, completing passes around free runners in the A and B gaps throughout the night. His most impressive play came in overtime when he uncorked a big post route to Laquon Treadwell that completely flipped the field—described as a great ball that doesn't give the DB a chance to make a play on it, despite being slightly underthrown.PositiveProjectionSep 23, 2026
Daniel Jones delivered a much stronger Week 2 performance against the Chiefs than his season opener, showing marked improvement in play-to-play consistency and overall efficiency. His QBSR and first-down rate both jumped sharply from Week 1, while EPA per play and net yards per play made similarly large gains, demonstrating that successful plays generated substantial value. Jones finished 12th in EPA/P for the week despite a conservative passing approach (24th ADOT), relying on a 75% adjusted completion rate and the absence of sacks to drive efficiency (7th NY/A). He generated first downs at one of the better rates in the league (8th 1st%) and finished 11th in QBSR and 12th in EPA/P overall. The source notes: 'I feel much better about the outlook for the season than I did a week ago.'PositiveProjectionSep 23, 2026
Jones looked like a top-10 quarterback for stretches last season before getting hurt, and played very well before his injury, earning Ballard credit for the signing; however, the Colts went from 8-2 to 8-9, lost seven straight games and missed the playoffs, demonstrating that even competent quarterback play cannot overcome the team's other roster construction failures.PositiveProjectionSep 23, 2026
Jones looked like a top-10 quarterback for stretches last season before getting hurt, demonstrating Shane Steichen's ability to get competent quarterback play. This contrasts with Ballard's failure to provide stable quarterback situations.NegativeRoleSep 22, 2026
Jones reunites with Darius Slayton after seven seasons together with the Giants (2019–2024). The prior chemistry between quarterback and receiver reduces adjustment period for Slayton's integration into the Colts' offense.PositiveProjectionSep 21, 2026
In his second game back from a torn Achilles, Jones performed well despite not matching Patrick Mahomes' output. He settled in after an early interception (which the source attributes to receiver Keenan Allen's failure to fight for the ball), stood in the pocket, made tough throws, and delivered the game's biggest play—a deep 48-yard pass to Laquon Treadwell that set up the Colts' controversial overtime tying field goal.NegativeProjectionSep 21, 2026
Colts QB still working his way back from a torn Achilles; completed 22 of 31 pass attempts for 210 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, and 1 interception in a road game against Kansas City. Performance was solid but notably short of Patrick Mahomes' 32/47, 382 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs in the same game.PositiveProjectionSep 21, 2026
Daniel Jones played as well as a quarterback in his first game back from a torn Achilles in week one, with the source expressing reason to believe the offense will improve as the season progresses.NegativeProjectionSep 19, 2026
Colts starting QB returned from season-ending torn Achilles (Week 14, 2025) and was held out of all preseason. Week 1 performance: 19/31, 166 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT in blowout home loss to Baltimore. Still working to regain prior explosion and athleticism. Faces veteran Steven Spagnuolo-coached Chiefs defense that allowed just 131 passing yards to Denver in Week 1. Source projects Jones won't be the difference maker at QB needed to match Patrick Mahomes.NegativeMatchupSep 18, 2026
Starting quarterback for the Colts in Week 1, Daniel Jones was one of the most pressured NFL passers in the league as the Ravens blitzed with reckless abandonment; the Indianapolis offense couldn't effectively adjust to the aggressive scheme, contributing to a 41-23 home loss.NegativeRoleSep 16, 2026
Jones executed a man-beater concept on the opening drive using a Jonathan Taylor motion to confirm coverage, showing early offensive execution; however, he threw a costly INT when Josh Downs' route adjustment brought Roquan Smith back into the throwing window, and he was responsible for a sack in a backed-up scenario where he failed to account for an unblocked defender on a pocket movement play. The source notes that when the Colts' movement passing game isn't working, Jones must execute full-field reads from the pocket, making him more susceptible to pressure.PositiveProjectionSep 16, 2026
After a very good 2025 season, Daniel Jones returned from injury in Week 1 looking to pick up where he left off, but the Colts' passing game struggled significantly. Jones finished near the bottom of the league in several key efficiency measures: 27th in yards per attempt (AYPA), 29th in net yards per play (NY/P), 30th in EPA per play (EPA/P), 22nd in first-down percentage (1ST%), and 22nd in touchdown percentage (TD%). The source attributes this to a combination of factors: short target depth (23rd ADOT at 6.6 yards, well below recent levels), below-average accuracy despite short throws (19th AC%, 25th CPOE), minimal yards after the catch (24th YAC), and limited receiver production (22nd YD/C). Jones faced significant pressure (10th PR%) and didn't spend much time in the pocket (19th TIP, 16th TTT), suggesting offensive line issues limited downfield development. The game was defined by costly negative plays, including a first-quarter interception (-4.8 EPA) and two sacks (-1.9 and -3.4 EPA), that overwhelmed occasional positive stretches.NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Colts QB was the most pressured NFL passer in Week 1, pressured on 52.9% of passing dropbacks. The source indicates the Ravens' plan is to blitz Jones into oblivion until he and the Colts prove they can consistently handle it, which hasn't happened since even midseason last year when the offense cooled off.NegativeUsageSep 14, 2026
Jones threw an interception in Week 1 that negatively impacted field position and game outcome for the Colts. The source states that 'a Daniel Jones interception and Jonathan Taylor fumble lost swayed the scales in favor of Baltimore,' indicating the turnover was a critical factor in the Colts' lopsided 41-23 loss.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
In his first start back from the Achilles injury that ended his 2025 season, Jones dropped back seven times on the nine-play opening drive, finishing 19-of-31 for 166 passing yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. After the opening drive, he was limited to 14-of-24 for just 107 yards, suggesting early-game execution did not carry through the remainder of the contest.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Jones enters surprisingly healthy after last year's late Achilles injury, and Indy's offense was historically explosive by EPA/play under Colts head coach Shane Steichen. If he protects the ball against a Baltimore defense that's also breaking in new pieces, field position swings the Colts' way in a game expected to be low-scoring and close. Jones is expected to avoid the big mistake and manage the game effectively.PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026
Colts starting QB Daniel Jones returns from season-ending torn Achilles injury for regular season opener against Ravens; marks his first game action at full speed and contact since injury.NegativeInjurySep 13, 2026
D. Jones has had some injuries, but the source notes that those who point to missed games should also consider his designation on some of those weeks he missed as a Giant; he was their QB of the future and they sat him when it was a questionable choice, suggesting injury history may be overstated.NegativeInjurySep 10, 2026
Colts starting QB with a documented injury history that makes it plausible he could miss time this season; the source states 'it simply seems to be his M.O.' and notes that if Jones gets injured, Richardson will be thrust into the spotlight. The source emphasizes Jones's injury risk is not guaranteed to be avoided, using Sam Darnold's one-series injury as a cautionary example of how quickly QB situations can change.PositiveProjectionSep 7, 2026
Jones has been cleared from his achilles injury and reports from Colts camp indicate he has looked great; the source notes he was very efficient finding completions underneath and outside the hashes in the Chargers game film, demonstrating effective execution against quarters coverage.NegativeRoleSep 3, 2026
Named 2026 team captain for the second consecutive year, continuing his leadership role with the Colts offense.NegativeDepth ChartAug 30, 2026
Daniel Jones is the presumed starter in the Colts' quarterback trio, ahead of Anthony Richardson Sr. and Riley Leonard, after backup Easton Stick was cut on Sunday.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Starting quarterback for the Colts will not play in the preseason finale against Detroit; head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Jones will sit out despite being the starter, with starters playing only 8-10 plays total.PositiveRoleAug 22, 2026
Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback with strong chemistry and rapport with head coach Shane Steichen; the two held dedicated Friday and Saturday one-on-one meetings to align on play-calling and Jones's comfort level each week. Steichen recalled a Week 1 example where Jones independently recognized a soft Cover Zero look, checked the protection, and executed a quick out to Josh Downs for a first down—a play they had discussed but Steichen did not explicitly call in-game, demonstrating Jones's film study, understanding of the offense's intricacies, and ability to make real-time adjustments. Jones won the starting job in training camp and preseason not solely on on-field play but also for being first in and last to leave the facility, his extra film study, bonding with teammates, and off-field chemistry with Steichen (the two attended a Butler game courtside together early in the season). In his first season under Steichen, Jones was on track for a breakout year before suffering a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 14.PositiveInjuryAug 21, 2026
Daniel Jones achieved full participation in training camp, resolving injury uncertainty heading into the final practices. This contrasts with other players like Alec Pierce and Charvarius Ward whose injury statuses remained unresolved.PositiveProjectionAug 20, 2026
Jones returned to full participation in joint practice against Atlanta post-Achilles injury, completing 15-of-15 passes and demonstrating he has "picked up right where he left off as the leader of the Indianapolis Colts." The source frames his health recovery as "more than a blip at this point" and emphasizes that his performance level this season is critical to the franchise's success; if the Colts get "Danny Dimes" rather than the "lost looking Jones from the late stages in New York," he will "prove to be the absolute best choice for this franchise and save a lot of jobs." The perfect completion rate in practice, while acknowledged as a single data point, is characterized as "a great sign" for his readiness and capability to reach a new level of play.PositiveRoleAug 20, 2026
QB Daniel Jones had a strong performance during the joint practice against the Falcons, with the Colts passing attack faring better than their running game offensively; Jones carved up the Falcons defense.PositiveProjectionAug 20, 2026
Colts starting quarterback Jones had an immaculate performance in team drills despite focusing on the defense and missing most of his weapons. Jones completed all 15 of his pass attempts, distributing the ball while avoiding any unforced turnovers; his final throw was a 30-yard crosser to Downs over the middle delivered just before a massive hit was waiting for his slot receiver.NegativeValueAug 19, 2026
Jones was not listed among the top 50 sold jerseys in the league last year and may not have even been the top-selling Colts #17. The source attributes fan reluctance partly to uncertainty about his durability (he missed time with injury) and his free-agent status at season's end, despite the Colts sitting atop the standings and putting up points at a historic rate.NegativeRoleAug 19, 2026
Jones is the confirmed starting QB for the Colts, making north of $40 million per year for this year and next. He is locked in as a Colt for two years with an out after this year and void years that do not guarantee his tenure past 2027. The only QB competition in Colts camp is for the backup role.