Daniel Jones couldn’t have scripted a better start to his Indianapolis Colts career. The quarterback, who beat out former first-round pick Anthony Richardson for the starting job just three weeks ago, ran for two scores, threw for another, and guided the Colts to a dominant 33-8 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The win snapped the NFL’s longest active opening-day drought, ending an 11-game Week 1 losing streak and giving Indianapolis its first 1-0 start since 2013.
Jones was sharp from the outset, completing 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards, including a career-high 197 yards in the first half. He scored on two 1-yard sneaks, made efficient reads at the line, and protected the ball, committing no turnovers while taking only one sack. The performance marked his first win as a starting QB since Oct. 6 of last season with the New York Giants — the team that released him later in the year.
“This was a big first step,” Jones said after the game. “Now the challenge is proving we can do it every week.”
Jones wasn’t the only Colt making a strong impression. Rookie tight end Tyler Warren hauled in seven catches for 76 yards and added a key first-down run. Veteran safety Cam Bynum picked off a pass, while former Dolphins corner Xavien Howard recovered a fumble against his old team. New kicker Spencer Shrader was flawless, hitting all four of his field-goal attempts.
Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, in his Colts debut, nearly delivered a shutout, with Miami only cracking the scoreboard in the final minutes. Indianapolis held the Dolphins to 43 total yards in the first half and just 211 for the game.
For Miami, the afternoon was a disaster. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa went 14 of 23 for 114 yards with two interceptions, lost a fumble, and was sacked three times. The Dolphins managed only 78 rushing yards, while star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for just eight catches and 70 yards.
Miami’s lone highlight came late in the fourth quarter when De’Von Achane broke free on a screen pass for an 11-yard touchdown on fourth-and-goal. A two-point conversion cut the deficit to 30-8, but it was far too late to matter. The loss ended Miami’s four-game Week 1 win streak.
The game was also a celebration of Colts history. The franchise honored late owner Jim Irsay, who passed away in May, by inducting him into the team’s Ring of Honor. Twelve of the previous 18 inductees attended, including Hall of Famers Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, and Edgerrin James.
Manning delivered a heartfelt tribute, recalling Irsay’s commitment to giving the team every resource it needed to win. Under Irsay’s leadership, the Colts captured two AFC championships and the franchise’s lone Super Bowl title following the 2006 season.
His daughters — Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Casey Foyt, and Kalen Jackson — accepted the honor and were presented with game balls after the victory.
Dolphins (0-1): Host the New England Patriots next Sunday in their home opener. Colts (1-0): Remain at home to face the Denver Broncos.
Stat Leaders
- Daniel Jones (IND): 22/29, 272 yards, 1 TD; 2 rushing TDs
- Michael Pittman Jr. (IND): 8 receptions, 60 yards, 1 TD
- Jonathan Taylor (IND): 18 carries, 71 yards
- Tua Tagovailoa (MIA): 14/23, 114 yards, 2 INT, 1 fumble lost
- De’Von Achane (MIA): 4 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD
