The Indianapolis Colts are no longer sneaking up on anyone. At 6-1, they own the league’s best record, and it’s not luck; it’s confidence. Head coach Shane Steichen’s aggressive playcalling and Daniel Jones’ calm command have turned the Colts’ offense into one of the NFL’s most efficient scoring machines.
How Is Shane Steichen Turning Indianapolis Colts’ Confidence Into Elite QB Play?
Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Everything in Indianapolis revolves around confidence, from the playbook to the locker room. Shane Steichen has built an offense that plays without hesitation. By completing 71% of his passes, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt, and throwing 10 touchdowns with just three interceptions, Jones has demonstrated elite-level performance in return for that trust.
Steichen explained how Jones’ preparation drives the team’s poise. “It’s comfortability with the guys, being around the guys, being in the system. The preparation builds confidence,”he said. “He’s making big-time throws, getting us in and out of the right play.”
Jones has achieved something even Colts legends didn’t: a passer rating above 100 in six of the first seven games, surpassing benchmarks set by Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck. For a quarterback once written off by the Giants, that’s a statement season.
Players feel the shift. Center Tanor Bortolinisaid,“When your quarterback’s playing with a confidence level that high, everyone feels it. We go out there knowing we can score on every drive.”
Steichen’s boldness underscores the mindset. Against the Chargers, he went for it on fourth down three times in one drive, converting all, a rare show of trust that led to a touchdown. “Sometimes coaches would lean towards punting,” Bortolini said, “but he always feels like we’re capable. So why not do it?”
Colts’ Offense Shines While Injuries Hammer Defense: Can Anyone Stop Indianapolis?
While the offense hums, the defense is limping. Injuries have gutted Lou Anarumo’s secondary, forcing the Colts into shootouts. The team has allowed 400+ yards in three of its last four games, including 445 against the Chargers. Still, Steichen insists the offensive approach won’t change: “There are going to be games that are up and down… we just have to find a way to win.”
General manager Chris Ballard is reportedly exploring trade options before the November 4 deadline to bolster the defense. Until then, the offense must keep carrying the load.
If the Colts’ confidence keeps building, the rest of the league may soon be asking the real question, not how Indianapolis rose, but who can stop them.