The Indianapolis Colts have surged to their best start in over a decade, behind the explosive partnership between quarterback Daniel Jones and head coach Shane Steichen.
Indianapolis owns the NFL’s top record and most efficient offense, a combination built on Steichen’s aggressive playcalling and Jones’ sharp execution.
The connection has transformed the Colts into legitimate AFC contenders, and Jones recently discussed how Steichen’s relentless optimism shapes the team’s approach.
“When we’re talking about something on the sideline, it would be like, ‘All right, I’m gonna call this one. It’ll probably go for 20, and then when we get the ball, it’s 20, we probably call this. We’ll probably score there. But if we don’t score, we’ll call this play, and then we’ll definitely score.’ So, it’s all very, very positive,” Jones said. “I probably haven’t had that positive of mindset myself, but it’s helpful. I mean, when you have that much confidence, that much optimism, belief, I think that helps me, helps the whole team, I think, and everybody can sense it.”
"Shane Steichen is always very positive..
Every play is going for twenty yards or a touchdown..
That positive mindset is so helpful"@Daniel_Jones10 #PMSLive https://t.co/sJ0Q4sTRiA pic.twitter.com/oW6GAq44z3
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 28, 2025
Steichen has completely transformed Indianapolis in both performance and culture.
Few anticipated this team emerging as a Super Bowl threat, yet the Colts sit near midseason with a 2.5-game division lead they haven’t enjoyed in more than 10 years.
Critics point to a soft early schedule, but Indianapolis hasn’t just won games, it’s dominating opponents.
The real evaluation will come in the weeks ahead.
Indianapolis faces upcoming games against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers, a group of playoff-caliber teams that will test every aspect of its offense.
Yet, with Jones commanding the passing game and Jonathan Taylor powering the ground attack, the Colts appear capable of competing against anyone.
NEXT: Jonathan Taylor Given Encouraging Odds To Win Major NFL Awards