Daniel Jones, once criticized during his tenure with the New York Giants, is now thriving with the Indianapolis Colts. After a rocky start to his career, Jones has shown significant improvement in his performance this season.
Revival of Daniel Jones
In 2019, Jones demonstrated potential in his rookie season, accumulating 3,027 yards and a notable 24 touchdown passes. However, he struggled with turnovers, totaling 12 interceptions and losing 11 fumbles.
Despite a challenging start, 2022 marked a turning point. Jones achieved a career-high, throwing for 3,205 yards and boasting a league-low 1.1 interception percentage. This led the Giants to extend his contract significantly.
Challenges and Transition
Injuries and inconsistent offensive line performance led to the Giants parting ways with Jones midway through the 2024 season. He then served as a backup with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Colts in the offseason.
Current Season Success
In 2025, Jones has made marked progress. He currently holds a career-high completion percentage of 71.0%, ranking fifth in the NFL. As he enters Week 8, he has achieved 101 first downs, trailing only Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
- Completion percentage: 71.0% (5th in NFL)
- First downs: 101 (3rd in NFL)
- Sacked: 6 times (fewest in NFL)
- 100+ passer rating games: 6 (tied for most in NFL)
Jones has recorded six games with a passer rating over 100 this season. In contrast, he managed just five such performances in his last two seasons with New York. This newfound success illustrates the positive impact of a stable offensive environment.
Effective Play Style
His performance has benefitted from improved protection and an offensive scheme that plays to his strengths. Remarkably, Jones has been sacked just six times thus far, showcasing his ability to avoid pressure.
Under the guidance of head coach Shane Steichen, Jones has thrived, completing 76% of his passes on throws under 20 yards, with a passer rating of 113.7. The presence of star running back Jonathan Taylor has further enhanced Jones’ play-action opportunities.
Statistical Highlights
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Completion Percentage | 71.0% |
| First Downs | 101 |
| Sacked | 6 |
| 100+ Passer Rating Games | 6 |
As Jones continues to excel, he exemplifies how a high draft pick can find success when placed in the right situation. His journey has transformed from criticism to commendation, as he leads the Colts in a dramatically different chapter of his career.
