The second week of the 2025 NFL season is still in progress, but football fans can look forward to a couple of games tonight. Meanwhile, one rather surprising statistic has emerged this season.
Following a thrilling win against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts sit at 2-0 and have yet to punt this season.
After dominating the Miami Dolphins in week 1 with a 33-8 score (three touchdowns and four field goals), Daniel Jones and the Colts continued their impressive performance against Denver at Lucas Oil Stadium. They had ten drives in total against the Broncos, winning seven of them. The Colts were stopped on fourth down twice in the other drives, one of which ended with Jones taking a knee to wrap up the first half.
Given their performance and statistics, a question arises: Are the Colts for real?
It’s possible to hesitate in giving Indianapolis full credit after their first game against a Dolphins defense that had notable weaknesses. However, facing the Broncos, who boasted last season’s defensive player of the year in Patrick Surtain II, presented a much stiffer test.
Nevertheless, the Colts amassed 473 yards, with Jones completing 23 of 34 passes for a total of 316 yards and a touchdown. Jonathan Taylor was also a key player, rushing for 165 yards on 25 carries, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt.
Much of Taylor’s success came in the fourth quarter, highlighted by a stunning 68-yard run that occurred after he was hit nearly four yards behind the line of scrimmage.
But in the NFL, the headlines often focus on the quarterback.
Jones has put up some impressive numbers in just two games. He’s completed 71.4% of his passes—ranking sixth in the league in completion rate—and has thrown for 588 yards, second only to Russell Wilson. His net yards per attempt stand at 9.35, placing him fourth in the NFL, with only Justin Herbert, Jordan Love, and Lamar Jackson above him.
It’s worth noting that Herbert hasn’t played yet in week two.
When assessing “Quarterback Efficiency,” which compares QBs based on expected points added per play and completion rate relative to expectation, Jones finds himself ranked seventh in the league.
A look at a few of his throws against Denver illustrates why he’s earning such accolades.
For instance, he maintains his composure in the pocket, sliding to avoid pressure from the right while preparing for an incoming hit from the left, delivering a precise strike to Josh Downs for a first down.
In another instance, Jones rolls out to the left and, despite anticipating a major hit, makes a flawless throw to Michael Pittman Jr.
There’s also a moment where he does a run fake, turning his back to the defense while tracking oncoming pressure. He subtly escapes the rush and finds rookie tight end Tyler Warren with an accurate throw.
Later, during the third quarter, Jones passes to Pittman, who is covered by Surtain, yet he places it perfectly to ensure a catch.
Perhaps my favorite play of Jones occurred in a pivotal moment late in the game, where the Colts faced a crucial third and six. With the clock winding down, they employed a mesh concept with players running shallow crosses.
With pressure from the Broncos’ defense, Jones adeptly maneuvered out of the heat and ultimately connected with Pierce for a seven-yard gain.
A few plays later, after a penalty was denied following a missed 60-yard field goal, Spencer Schladder made a 45-yard kick, sealing a 29-28 win for Indianapolis.
So, back to the original question: Are the Colts the real deal?
It’s perhaps wise to hold off on jumping to conclusions. Just last season, a similar situation unfolded. The Colts started 2-0 with a couple of convincing wins, at one point being deemed the best story in the NFL.
That team was the New Orleans Saints, who ultimately finished the season at five and twelve.
Yet, before dismissing the Colts too soon, it’s important to consider their offensive and defensive EPAs over these two games. They’ve shown they’re among the top teams in the league.
