Daniel Jones shines in Colts debut, leads 23-0 charge against Dolphins
Former Giants starter throws for 197 yards and a touchdown, adds rushing score in Indianapolis season opener
Daniel Jones produced a near-flawless debut for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, throwing for 197 yards and a touchdown and running for another score as the Colts jumped to a commanding 23-0 lead over the Miami Dolphins.
The 28-year-old completed 17 of 22 passes in the first half and opened the second quarter with a 27-yard touchdown strike to Michael Pittman Jr. Jones added a 1-yard rushing touchdown late in the first half and Indianapolis tacked on a field goal as time expired to lead 20-0 at halftime. The Colts ended the third quarter with a 23-0 advantage.
Jones, who was released by the New York Giants last November after making 69 starts over six seasons, joined the Colts on a one-year, $14 million contract in the offseason. He spent the remainder of last season as a backup with the Minnesota Vikings before signing with Indianapolis and won the Colts' starting job over Anthony Richardson during training camp.
The scoring drive that produced Jones' rushing touchdown covered 42 yards and culminated with a 1-yard plunge with 12:01 remaining in the second quarter. Earlier in the opening half, Jones engineered drives that consistently moved the Colts into scoring position, contributing to a dominant first-half performance against a Miami defense that had openings in the secondary.
Anthony Richardson, the Colts' 2023 first-round pick, entered the offseason as the presumptive future of the franchise but was supplanted by Jones after the veteran outperformed him in camp and preseason. Indianapolis' decision to start Jones reflected a preference for experience and a quick-read passing game to stabilize the offense to open the 2025 season.
On the NFC side, Jones' former team, the Giants, overhauled their quarterback room in the offseason, signing veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston and selecting rookie Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Giants trailed the Washington Commanders 14-3 in the third quarter on Sunday.
Jones' performance in Indianapolis marked a notable turnaround from his release in New York and a return to a starting role after a season as a backup. The Colts' early lead underscored coaching staff confidence in Jones' ability to manage the offense and make plays both through the air and on the ground.
Sunday's game served as the Colts' season opener and offered a first look at how the team intends to move forward with Jones at the helm. Indianapolis held control of the game through three quarters, relying on Jones' efficiency and a steady supporting cast to build the early advantage.