INDIANAPOLIS – Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is preparing for his debut with the team, emphasizing a balanced approach to offensive execution as Indianapolis faces a formidable defense.Jones expressed excitement about the team’s diverse skillset and the strength of the offensive line, which he believes will be key to success.
“Just how many different guys with different skillsets, different strengths, abilities we have and how hard that is for a defense to plan for and account for everybody,” Jones said. “I’m excited to get out there and play with these guys, playing with the guys up front with how well they’ve played all camp and how strong that group is, I think it’ll be a fun group to be a part of.”
Jones recognizes the challenge posed by the opposing defense, which ranked 10th in the NFL in points allowed per game, ninth in yards per play, sixth in third down conversion rate, and fourth in red zone touchdown rate in 2024. Their defensive line was also rated 11th-best in the NFL by Pro Football Focus heading into the 2025 preseason.
“There’s a lot of impact players there,” Jones said. “I think we have a strong front up front, so that is a good matchup for us. But a lot of good players, and we’ll study them, be ready for it. Good players in the back end too, smart guys who can make plays.”
Head coach Shane Steichen has praised Jones’ consistency and decision-making, qualities the veteran quarterback attributes to his six years of NFL experience. Jones aims to generate positive plays, sustain drives, and maintain offensive momentum.
“Understanding where the ball needs to go versus certain looks, certain coverages,” Jones explained. “Staying on schedule, generating positive plays, keeping the offense moving forward, sustaining drives. I think all those things – obviously you want to be ready when the shot’s there,and when you have the big play take advantage of it – but understand when it’s not,not holding the ball,getting it out and letting guys catch and run when we have those chances too.”
Jones intends to combine an aggressive mindset with smart play. “…Just having an attacking mindset and playing at our tempo, our pace…playing with an edge but having an attacking mindset, being aggressive when we have chances to be aggressive.”
