Daniel Jones is starting to look very comfortable in Indianapolis. The former Duke star continued his hot start to the 2025 NFL season on Sunday, guiding the Colts to a thrilling 29-28 comeback win over Denver and solidifying his grip on the starting quarterback job.
Jones, who signed a one-year, $14 million deal with $13.15 million guaranteed this offseason, beat out 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson in camp and hasn't looked back. Colts head coach Shane Steichen cited Jones' command of the playbook and steady hand in preseason as key reasons for giving him the nod, and through two weeks that decision looks inspired.
On Sunday, Jones delivered his best performance of the young season, completing 23-of-34 passes for 316 yards and a touchdown while averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. His poise was evident throughout as the Colts erased a double-digit second-half deficit to stun one of the AFC's top defensive units.
"We have a lot of confidence in our guys," Jones said after the win. "In a game like that, you're going to have some good and bad, but you just keep going. We know what we're capable of."
It's the second straight week Jones has been sharp and efficient. In the season opener against Miami, he completed 22-of-29 passes for 272 yards, added two rushing scores, and led the offense to points on its first seven drives in a statement 34-17 win.
"I thought he was efficient, taking his reads and going through his progressions," Steichen said Sunday. "The ball placement was good again today, and the guys responded."
For Jones, the success represents a welcome change after years of battling for his life behind a rebuilding offensive line with the New York Giants. In Indianapolis, he's benefiting from a front five that has kept him upright and a deep receiving corps that is winning one-on-one battles.
"There's a great energy about our team. We're executing at a high level," Jones said. "But collectively, we're just focused on stacking days and being the best version of ourselves."
Through two weeks, Jones has thrown for 616 yards, completed 74.2 percent of his passes (adjusted), and accounted for five total touchdowns with a 111.1 passer rating. Those are the kind of numbers that make front offices reconsider one-year "prove-it" deals.
For Duke fans, the breakout is a reminder of the same leadership and toughness Jones displayed under David Cutcliffe in Durham, where he was a two-time team captain and threw for over 8,200 yards and 52 touchdowns while adding 17 more on the ground. If he keeps this pace, Jones could lead the Colts to playoff contention — and perhaps a longer stay as QB1 in Indy.