Colts HC reveals 'biggest thing' Daniel Jones did before torching Dolphins

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones turned the clock back to his best days with the New York Giants as he guided the Colts to an impressive 33-8 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. 

Following the win, Colts head coach Shane Steichen spoke with Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated and addressed how Jones won his teammates over as he defeated Anthony Richardson Sr. in the summer competition for the Indianapolis starting job. 

The "biggest thing" Daniel Jones has thus far done with Indianapolis Colts

"He’s been through it, and to be in a new environment with new guys, the biggest thing is that he did a great job connecting with the players," Steichen said about Jones. "He’s been with the defensive backs and the defensive linemen, chopping it up with them. Guys bought into him and his work ethic. … They have his back, and a new environment will help." 

Back in January 2023, Jones recorded 78 rushing yards to go along with 301 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air as he led the Giants to a playoff win at the Minnesota Vikings. However, he more recently went 3-13 over his final 16 starts with the Giants before they unceremoniously showed him the door last fall. 

Jones then won what was, on paper, a rather uninspiring quarterback competition after Richardson suffered a dislocated right pinkie in the Colts' preseason opener in August. Thus, many outside observers were downright shocked to watch as Jones completed 22-of-29 passes for 272 yards and one touchdown against Miami. He also rushed for a pair of scores in the blowout win. 

What Shane Steichen saw in Daniel Jones

A July report shared that "there was more interest in Daniel Jones out there than people realize" this past winter before he received a one-year, $14M contract that's worth up to $17.7M and included $13.15M guaranteed from the Colts. Steichen spoke with Breer about why multiple clubs felt Jones was worth a lottery-ticket deal coming off his Giants tenure. 

"He did a great job of finding completions his whole career," Steichen said about what he saw in Jones. "Then, hearing around the league how smart he is and how he sees the game, that was a big part of bringing him in."

Jones and the Colts will next host the 1-0 Denver Broncos on Sept. 14. Denver earned a 20-12 win over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.