Daniel Jones has found new life in Indianapolis. After years of scrutiny and inconsistency with the New York Giants, Jones is suddenly putting together an MVP-caliber season with the Colts. And Mike Tomlin has taken notice of the change in the quarterback’s career narrative.
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Jones has completed 71.2% of his passes for 2,062 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just three interceptions in the eight games so far this season. He’s also added four rushing scores while leading the Colts to a 7–1 record, the best in the AFC.
It’s a resurgence few saw coming. But Steelers head coach Tomlin, slated to face Jones and his Colts on Monday, believes Jones is thriving because of a clear reason: Environment.
“We talk a lot about this NFL of second-chance quarterbacks. We’ve seen it with guys like Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and even Geno Smith when he went through that. This is a guy who seems to be on that path, too,” said Tomlin.
The Steelers HC added that many quarterbacks don’t immediately thrive in such circumstances. However, those who are mentally strong often show their true potential once placed in stable situations. “I just think Daniel Jones is the latest guy to display that,” Tomlin said.
“He’s doing a really nice job of taking care of the ball and making good decisions. They’ve got an established receiving corps, a dynamic young tight end from Penn State, and a solid running game. It was just plug and play for him — a really good setup. Outside of Saquon, he didn’t have any of that when he was drafted into the Giants’ circumstances,” Tomlin continued, highlighting Jones’ struggles with the Giants and how it changed with the Colts.
Tomlin also praised the Colts’ offensive balance, crediting both Jonathan Taylor and head coach Shane Steichen’s system for creating the ideal conditions for Jones’ success.
“It depends on how their run game is going,” Tomlin told Steelers.com. “If their running game is rolling and on schedule, they minimize his exposure to the defense. They change the launch point, run quick games… So the real catalyst in attacking Daniel Jones is first and foremost working to minimize Jonathan Taylor — because when he’s rolling, they don’t punt.”
The numbers substantiate this take. The Colts lead the NFL in yards per game (385.3) and points per game (33.8). Their balance is highlighted by their sixth ranking in passing and rushing yards per game. Indianapolis is tied for second in turnover differential (plus-8), tying for third in most takeaways (12) and fewest giveaways (four).
Perhaps most surprisingly, the Colts punted just 12 times in their first seven games, which was not just the fewest of any NFL team this season, but at 1.7 punts per game, was the lowest punts-per-game average in NFL history.
Unfortunately for Tomlin, his own defense is trending in the opposite direction. The Steelers currently rank 30th in total yards allowed (386.0 per game) and have surrendered 273.3 passing yards per game, their worst mark in decades.
They’ve allowed 30 points in back-to-back contests. And their pass defense has slipped to last in the NFL following a rough outing against Green Bay. As Pittsburgh prepares to face the league’s most efficient offense, Tomlin’s optimism, resilience, and, of course, his system will be tested more than ever.
