NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
No matter if he’s bruised, battered, bloodied or all of the above, as he was in Germany last week, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones will always love a win.
The Colts came away with their eighth win of the season, this time knocking off the Atlanta Falcons in overtime thanks to another stellar performance by running back Jonathan Taylor, who has been among the MVP frontrunners 10 weeks into the season.
But Jones, the NFL’s leader in passing yards this season after a 255-yard performance with a touchdown pass in the 31-25 win in Berlin, deserves plenty of credit for how good the Colts have been. It’s fair to say no one expected this Indianapolis group to be among the top Super Bowl contenders, but Jones and company have silenced any doubters heading into the bye week.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts warms up prior to a game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Indianapolis Colts at Olympiastadion on November 9, 2025 in Berlin, Germany. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)
At this point last season, Jones was at rock bottom for a franchise quarterback. The New York Giants — the team that selected him No. 6 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft and gave him a long-term $160 million extension through March 2023 — pulled the plug and released him. He ended up finding a home in Minnesota, where the Vikings signed him to their practice squad.
The truth was, Jones, and the rest of the NFL world, didn’t know exactly where he would land. More importantly, his days as a starting quarterback in this league were no longer guaranteed.
Of course, that changed when he joined the Colts this offseason, won the quarterback competition with Anthony Richardson on the depth chart and has been rock solid for head coach Shane Steichen ever since. It’s a fascinating story this season, but one that mirrors players like Sam Darnold, his former Minnesota teammate, and Baker Mayfield.
DANIEL JONES ADVISES VIKINGS’ COACHES FOR THEIR PREPARATION IN THRILLING GIANT RECORDS
“I haven’t reflected on it that much at this point,” Jones told Pakinomist Digital when asked if he feels he could be the next quarterback to solidify a new home in the league. “We’re in the middle of it now, and like I said earlier, there’s still a lot ahead of us. But I feel very fortunate to be here. This time a year ago was obviously a lot different for me and kind of finding what was next and where I was going. … The opportunity to join the Colts and play with these guys has been incredible. I’m starting my career there, thankful for it, but you try to learn along the way and take advantage of the opportunities you have.”
To Jones’ point, there is still a lot to do this season. As someone whose work ethic has never been questioned, he believes the bye week can be used to figure out what needs to be cleaned up. But there are certainly positives to take from what has transpired over 10 games in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) throws before an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams in Inglewood, Calif., on Sept. 28, 2025. (Eric Thayer/AP Photo)
“Obviously the most important football is what’s ahead here in November and December,” said Jones, who spent his first day back in the United States working with FedEx on its “Power Move” campaign. “So we’re definitely happy with where we’re at to start the season this way, but at this point you’re trying to build on that and clean up what’s hurt you in places and see if that’s something you can build on for the rest of the season.”
The first goal, of course, is to make the playoffs, which would be Jones’ second trip in his seven NFL seasons. He has one playoff win under his belt — a victory over the Vikings in the 2022 season — that ultimately bolstered the Giants’ belief that he was their quarterback of the future.
But perhaps the Colts have found theirs in Jones, who has thrown 15 touchdowns to seven interceptions while rushing for 143 yards and five scores. He signed a one-year, $14 million deal this offseason, making him a free agent at the end of the year.
Colts fans have enjoyed what “Indiana Jones” has brought to the position, and it’s clear he thrives with players like Taylor, who said Jones shares many similarities with his former Giants teammate Saquon Barkley. Rookie tight end Ty Warren and veteran receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Josh Downs have all played a big role in getting open for Jones — and of course the offensive line has done its part in both the running and passing games to keep the offense humming.
Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts smiles during warmups before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
The pieces of the puzzle seem to be in place for the Colts. The question is, will the quarterback stay put?
“I’d say I’ve really enjoyed it here,” Jones said when asked if he sees this as his long-term home. “We have a special group in the locker room. A special group of players. I really enjoy playing for these coaches, working with Shane and his staff.
“Indy is a sports town. They’re really passionate and support us and all the teams here. As far as the future, I really haven’t thought about it that much. We’ve got a lot on our plate right now, but I’m really enjoying being here and I’ve really liked it.”
