It's the kind of offensive output that tends to result in consecutive losses: A minus-4 turnover margin; 4.1 yards per play; one total touchdown pass. That's what the Indianapolis Colts produced in their past two games. And yet, the Colts are 2-0 in their past two games, rebounding from an 0-2 start and positioning themselves to be a factor in the AFC South race. Sunday's 30-13 win over the Washington Commanders in London was a key victory, getting them to .500.
But it raises questions about the sustainability of the offensive performance and that of quarterback Daniel Jones, specifically. Jones committed a pair of turnovers, continuing what is now a trend. He's credited with five giveaways in the past two games. His inexplicable fumble on the second play from scrimmage threatened to set a tone, and his interception in the second quarter was not what you'd expect from an eight-year veteran. Jones also passed for fewer than 200 yards again (143).
"Definitely got to play better," Jones said. "Got to clean that up." Jones' avoidance of such plays prompted the Colts to bring him back after 2025, signing him to a two-year deal worth at least $88 million in March. But now it has got to pay off. Jones stabilized his play in the second half, but the turnovers are the chief concern. He has lost three fumbles over the past two weeks.
In fairness, Jones helped get the Colts to .500. His 4-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter helped give the Colts a two-score lead. He also converted two third downs as a rusher in the second half. The Colts remain without No. 1 receiver Alec Pierce, who is on injured reserve because of a heel injury.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing