This isn’t a critique of Daniel Jones’ toughness. This isn’t a critique of him as a person. This is solely a critique of whether you believe Jones is the right person to lead the Indianapolis Colts at quarterback. People who know him much better than I do say yes. Is that hot air sold to a fanbase in the offseason to get them to believe in something that isn’t there, or is there more to it?
What is the belief based on? To begin with, look at how he won the starting job last year. It was his professionalism that was singled out. During camp, he and Anthony Richardson were even on the field. It was the off the field aspects that separated the two men. Jones brings leadership to the table which causes others to rally around him.
He played with a broken fibula. Yes, that doesn’t mean a clean break of his femur or anything as debilitating, but others would have bowed out. His injury was about the threshold of pain he could endure, and obviously, he can endure his fair share. Strength and not backing down is another key element that can win a locker room. Couple that with a hot start last year and it isn’t hard to see why the confidence in Jones is present.
Is it enough though? A tough, professional guy is great, but does it translate to winning? While initial hopes weren’t high last year with Jones, he did create a very exciting first half of the season. It is impossible to ignore the level of competition, however. Every win in the NFL is difficult, but some less so than others. Does Jones, who got a big-time contract, have enough to back it up?
That is the question on the table. Once again, ownership and the locker room vouching for him means something, but they did that for Anthony Richardson a few years back too and look how that went. There is a lot of smoke during the offseason; a lot of pumping up or self-convincing at times. I fully get there is no need to admit defeat before things have started. Call it my own critique, but I’m just not convinced that Daniel Jones is the guy to put it all together for the Colts.
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