Jones was relatively inefficient and didn’t lift the Colts’ offense to the level seen in the first half of last season, raising questions about what lies ahead. The schedule doesn’t get any easier, either, as the Colts prepare for a Week 2 clash with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
Digging into the numbers reveals that Jones’ difficulties weren’t solely his doing.
Colts’ Real Problem
A major factor behind Jones’ Week 1 struggles was the Ravens’ pass rush. He dropped back to pass 34 times and was pressured on 18 dropbacks, a 52.9% pressure rate—the highest in the NFL for Week 1. This pressure rate helps explain the overall struggles, as Jones went 19-for-31 for 166 yards, with an interception, and managed only two sacks. Sacks don’t tell the whole story; timing and rhythm matter as well, and Jones was deprived of both for much of the game.
What’s Next?
The Chiefs delivered a strong defensive performance in Week 1, routing the Denver Broncos, which suggests Indianapolis will face another stiff test. Quenton Nelson anchors the offensive line, coming into the season with discussions about a potential contract extension. While the line is a unit effort, Nelson’s leadership will be crucial to keeping Jones protected. After a serious injury, Jones is still adjusting to game speed and pressure, and continued pressure could make this a challenging stretch for the Colts.
Key takeaways include the impact of the Ravens’ relentless pressure on Jones and the need for improved protection and play design to restore offensive efficiency. If Indianapolis can stabilize the protection and create more clean pockets for Jones, the offense could regain its footing as the season progresses.
