Daniel Jones Resurgence
The Indianapolis Colts have opened the 2025 season with a surprising 2-0 record, knocking off the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos to set the tone early. After finishing last year with just eight wins, the third season under head coach Shane Steichen is shaping up as the defining chapter of his tenure. If this start is any indication, he’s found the right formula—at least on one side of the ball.
Daniel Jones: A Career Revival?
Perhaps the biggest storyline of the Colts’ hot start is the unexpected resurgence of quarterback Daniel Jones. Through two weeks, Jones sits second in the NFL with 588 passing yards, while leading the league in yards per attempt (9.3). His passer rating (sixth-best in the league) and poise in the pocket—just two sacks taken—suggest a quarterback playing with renewed confidence. PFF grades Jones as the 7th-best QB in the league so far, a far cry from the struggling passer the Giants moved on from.
Taylor’s Ground-and-Pound Dominance
Of course, no Colts’ offense feels complete without Jonathan Taylor putting his stamp on games. Taylor leads the league in rushing with 236 yards, reestablishing himself as one of the premier backs in football. Behind Quenton Nelson, who ranks second among all guards in PFF run-blocking grades, Taylor is finding consistent lanes and punishing defenses. Complementing Nelson is Matt Goncalves, who has been a revelation in pass protection, quickly cementing himself as one of the top guards in passing situations.
[the_ad id=”105842″]A Rookie Tight End Makes Noise
Rookie tight end Tyler Warren has seamlessly transitioned from Penn St. to the NFL. With 155 receiving yards—most among all tight ends—Warren is already proving to be a mismatch weapon. His strong PFF grade (2nd at the position) shows he’s not just padding stats but also making impact plays week in and week out.
A Balanced (If Unspectacular) Receiving Corps
Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs may not strike fear into defenses, but they’re steady and productive. Together, they give Jones a reliable rotation of targets, spreading defenses thin and allowing Warren to flourish. With Jones spreading the ball efficiently, the offense is operating with the kind of balance Steichen envisioned when he took over.
Defensive Strengths and Weaknesses
Defensively, the Colts are quietly stingy, allowing just 18.0 points per game while forcing three interceptions—good for fourth in the NFL. The cornerback trio of Charvarius Ward, Mekhi Blackmon, and Kenny Moore II have been reliable in coverage, while safety Camryn Bynum looks like a player on the verge of breaking out.
But the cracks are already showing. Linebackers Joe Bachie and Zaire Franklin have struggled out of the gate, missing assignments and underwhelming in coverage. DeForest Buckner, the veteran anchor of the defensive line, looks like a shadow of his former self, off to perhaps the worst start of his career at age 31. Even more concerning, the edge rush remains virtually non-existent, leaving quarterbacks far too comfortable against this defense.
Looking Ahead
The Colts haven’t started 3-0 since 2009, a season that ended in a Super Bowl loss to the Saints. With a Week 3 matchup against the winless Tennessee Titans and rookie QB Cam Ward, Indy has a prime chance to match that mark.
Still, the looming question remains: can this defense hold up when tested by elite competition? The offensive fireworks of Jones, Taylor, and Warren may keep Indianapolis competitive, but as the season wears on, their deficiencies at linebacker, defensive tackle, and edge rusher could prove costly.
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The AFC South looks wide open, giving the Colts a legitimate shot at a playoff berth. But unless those defensive weaknesses are addressed, Indy may be destined for an early playoff exit—even as their offense thrives.
