Is Daniel Jones, the Indianapolis Colts' quarterback, secretly the most valuable player in the NFL, even if he seems like the most ordinary guy on the field? It sounds crazy, right? He's not flashy, he doesn't crave attention, and his personality is, well, let's just say 'understated.' Teammates struggle to describe what makes him tick beyond football, often met with silence and head-tilting when pressed for interesting details. Even Jones himself admits, "I don’t really do much besides this stuff." But here's where it gets controversial: that 'stuff' has led the Colts to a surprising level of offensive efficiency. Could his 'vanilla' approach be the secret ingredient to their success?
Think about it: Just a year ago, the Giants were ready to move on from Jones, and he ended up buried on the Vikings' depth chart, running the scout team. Even in Indianapolis, he was overshadowed by the immense talent and potential of Anthony Richardson, who was initially favored for the starting job. Most fans wanted Richardson to win – they wanted the excitement, the highlight-reel plays, the buzz. But courting the spotlight has never been Jones’ style. Consider this anecdote: One year in New York, after a season-ending ACL tear, Jones met his former offensive coordinator, Jason Garrett, for dinner. He showed up late, explaining he usually jogs from his home in Hoboken, takes a ferry across the Hudson, and rents an e-bike into the city. But with his injured knee, he had to take an Uber. "These days you’ve got all these NFL stars who won’t go anywhere without their bodyguards," Garrett said. "And this guy rides a city bike on the West Side Highway. That’s about the most Daniel Jones thing I can think of." Garrett even had to ask if anyone recognized him on the bike. Jones nonchalantly replied, “Oh yeah, I get plenty of double-takes.”
He arrived in Indianapolis without fanfare and quietly started winning over coaches and teammates with the habits he'd honed in New York. Every Friday night, after a plate of Bolognese pasta, Jones would call his offensive coordinator and meticulously review the entire play sheet. Over time, Jones says he's gotten better at knowing what to study and what answers to seek. In Indy, teammates tease him for being late to group dinners because he's usually still at the team facility, poring over film. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about putting in the hours; it's about how he uses them.
Sixteen hours before a game against the Cardinals, Jones requested specific clips from a game between Carolina and the Cardinals. "Hey, let’s pull up Carolina No. 42," he said. "And Carolina No. 38." He identified defensive formations the Cardinals had shown weeks earlier and wanted to ensure everyone was prepared. This obsession with detail is what makes his partnership with coach Shane Steichen so effective. Steichen, a former quarterback himself, is equally dedicated to the game, often ditching social events to study film. "That’s what you want at that position," Steichen says. "When you’re preparing like the way he does, you don’t blink.” Jones hasn't blinked, and neither have the Colts. They’re currently leading the league in scoring and dominating their division. Their point total is the highest in club history through six games, a significant feat considering the team's legacy, including a statue of Peyton Manning outside the stadium.
It's almost unbelievable that a quarterback who was at his lowest point just 11 months ago is now a key component of a revitalized franchise. Jones had a losing record in New York, winning less than 35% of his starts. It was around the same time that things started to fall apart in Indianapolis. Following a divisional road game where Richardson admitted to being "tired," the Colts descended into turmoil. Some veterans felt the need to privately urge Richardson to take his role more seriously. Others publicly criticized the team's effort and focus. The season ended predictably – without a playoff berth – leading one starter to blame the team's leadership, stating, "There’s no vision."
These words stung general manager Chris Ballard and forced him to confront a harsh reality: his approach, which he had stubbornly defended for years, wasn't working. He vowed to be more aggressive in free agency and promised a legitimate quarterback competition in training camp. Ballard handed Jones a one-year, $14 million deal, signaling a genuine competition for the starting role. What helped sell him on the quarterback were long conversations with two Colts’ assistants. They vouched for his character and approach. Ballard knew Steichen would appreciate Jones’ no-nonsense style.
Then Jones won the job, much to the dismay of many fans. Ballard defended his decision, emphasizing that the focus should be on the quarterback who was playing, not the one who wasn't. Meanwhile, the players started to buy in. Jones, along with Michael Pittman Jr., organized a week of private workouts in California. Quenton Nelson felt the momentum building during camp, observing more positive offensive days than in the past. Alec Pierce credited Steichen's more rigorous practices, including unscripted sessions that forced coaches and players to react in real-time. There was also the lingering disappointment of the previous season, motivating everyone to start fresh.
So, what's different this year, besides the quarterback? Zaire Franklin suggests it's simply a group of players who were tired of losing. As it turns out, Jones does have one hobby outside of football: golf. He and Pierce competed on the course all summer. Still, it's mostly about football. During his off time, Jones helps Garrett run his football camp, a commitment he's maintained since 2020. Garrett, who recognized Jones' potential back in August, believes his former quarterback has finally found the right fit. He needed a clean slate. In Indianapolis, the Colts have allowed the fewest sacks in the league. Jonathan Taylor leads the NFL in rushing. Tyler Warren is emerging as a top tight end, and with a talented group of receivers, Jones is thriving. The Colts' offense ranks among the league's best in key metrics.
It’s the attack Steichen envisioned when he took over: Throw to score, run to win. The league’s taken notice. So have some of Jones’ old teammates. Saquon Barkley expressed his support for Jones, and Garrett emphasized that Jones' former teammates respect him immensely. Maybe Jones simply needed a fresh start. Maybe the Colts’ success is unsustainable. But Garrett knows Jones won't change, regardless of the outcome. His messages after games are consistently simple and focused: "Thanks coach. Gotta keep grinding. Gotta keep pushing. Gotta get better." But does this "vanilla" approach truly make him the right fit, or are the Colts setting themselves up for disappointment down the road? What do you think? Is Jones the real deal or just a temporary fix?
