As the NFL season inches closer, speculation and rumors continue to swirl around the Indianapolis Colts and their starting quarterback situation. The team currently has three quarterbacks on their roster, but one name that keeps coming up is Daniel Jones, the former New York Giant and a favorite of one NFL Insider.
Many have questioned whether the Colts will stick with Carson Wentz as their starter or give the reins to Jones, who showed promise during his time with the Giants. But according to one NFL Insider, Jones is trending upward and could potentially take over as the starter by Week 1.
But is this prediction realistic? Will Jones truly be back under center for the Colts come Week 1? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence and what this could mean for the team.
First and foremost, it’s no secret that the Colts have a problem at quarterback. After the unexpected retirement of Andrew Luck in 2019, the team has struggled to find a long-term solution. Phillip Rivers filled in for one season, but after his departure, the Colts traded for Wentz, hoping he could rekindle the success he had with Frank Reich as his offensive coordinator in Philadelphia.
Unfortunately, Wentz has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play, causing some to question if he is the right fit for the Colts’ offense. Meanwhile, Jacob Eason, a 2020 fourth-round draft pick, has been unable to fully impress during training camp and preseason games. This leaves the door open for someone like Jones to potentially step in and take over.
While Jones had an up-and-down career with the Giants, he showed flashes of potential and proved he can lead a team to victory. In his rookie season, he threw for over 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns, despite playing behind a shaky offensive line. He also showed his mobility by rushing for 279 yards and two touchdowns.
However, the following season, Jones struggled with turnovers, leading the league in fumbles and throwing 11 interceptions. But this was also due to injuries to key players and a weak supporting cast.
But with a fresh start in Indianapolis, Jones could thrive under head coach Frank Reich’s system. The offensive line is significantly better, and he would have a strong running game with Jonathan Taylor behind him. He also has a talented group of receivers, including T.Y. Hilton, Michael Pittman Jr., and Parris Campbell.
Additionally, Jones has shown improvement in the preseason, completing 17 of his 20 passes for 139 yards and a touchdown in just two games. He also led the team to a 12-play, 90-yard touchdown drive in their second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings.
This performance has caught the attention of NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, who stated on “NFL Total Access” that Jones is “trending in the right direction” and “could potentially open the season as the starter for the Colts.”
While this may seem like a bold prediction, it’s not entirely far-fetched. Reich has a history of developing quarterbacks, and Jones has already proven he has the potential to be a successful starter in the NFL. He also has experience in a similar offensive system, making the transition to Indianapolis smoother.
It’s important to note that this is not a knock on Wentz or Eason. But with Wentz’s injury history and experience with inconsistency, having a reliable backup like Jones is crucial for the Colts’ success. Eason still has time to develop and could potentially take over in the future, but for now, Jones seems like the better choice to lead the team in the upcoming season.
In conclusion, it’s still too early to tell if Daniel Jones will be back under center as a starter for the Indianapolis Colts by Week 1. However, all signs are pointing towards a potential change at quarterback, with Jones trending upward and receiving praise from an NFL Insider. As a young and talented quarterback, Jones could bring a fresh energy and stability to the Colts’ offense and potentially lead them to success in the upcoming season. Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the future is bright for Jones and the Colts.
