Quarterbacks turn the ball over. Houston’s defense causes turnovers. Because of that, it makes perfect sense that a quarterback facing the Texans’ vaunted defense would return the ball, and that’s exactly what Daniel Jones did on Sunday. If he and the Indianapolis Colts hope to create a winning streak, however, he needs to be better.
Jones had three turnovers on the day. Both of them are unacceptable. When the offensive line can’t block Will Anderson or Danielle Hunter, it’s going to be tough on the quarterback, so the first fumble is forgivable. It’s the interception to start the third quarter that creates concern. The Colts had a chance to extend their lead to two points, but on third down, with a defender on him, Jones threw the ball into the air. It was blocked and kept the Texans needing only a touchdown to take the lead.
However, that’s not the worst. The Colts took control late in the fourth quarter. They’re up by six and driving to the Texans’ side of the field, looking to put this one on ice. With less than five minutes remaining, Jones turned the game around and sent Jonathan Taylor open in the flat. Instead of taking it to him in space, of which there was plenty, Jones grabbed the ball and stripped. The Texans marched down the field and scored the go-ahead touchdown.
Of course, we all know the ending, but that doesn’t mean all’s well that ends well. There was no guarantee that the Colts would get into field goal range or that Spencer Shrader would make the game winning 53-yard field goal. It worked, but that doesn’t mean it will always happen. Daniel Jones must take care of the ball if the Colts want to win.