The Indianapolis Colts have been here before — but not in a while.
Their 41-20 dismantling of the Tennessee Titans in Week 3 didn’t just push them to 3-0, it vaulted them into a legitimate contender, per this week’s NFL Power Rankings. It’s their best start since 2009, back when Peyton Manning was sheriffing under center.
That team finished 14-2, and took a trip to Super Bowl XLIV.
This time, the story is Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor, and a defense that looks like it has finally found its identity under Shane Steichen. Not many expected Indy to emerge from September undefeated, but here we are. No. 8 in the NFL, according to The Athletic’s Week 4 Power Rankings.
Jones Leading With Efficiency
Let’s be real. There weren’t many believers that Daniel Jones would be the guy to stabilize the Colts after back-to-back chaotic quarterback years with the New York Giants. But through three weeks, he’s proving otherwise.
Jones has yet to throw an interception this season, and he’s currently second in the NFL behind Lamar Jackson in yards per attempt (9.3).
Against the Titans, Jones threw for 228 yards and a touchdown while continuing to show command of Steichen’s offense. The Colts are asking him to consistently manage games and avoid the backbreaking turnover. So far, he’s delivered.
There’s even a fun parallel here. A year ago, Sam Darnold rebuilt his career with the Minnesota Vikings, impressing with steady play as one of the NFC’s best pocket passers of 2024. Jones might be carving out his own version of that narrative in 2025 — posting a league-leading 85.8 QBR.
Jonathan Taylor’s Return to Form
As good as Jones has been, Jonathan Taylor is still the engine of the Colts. The All-Pro running back racked up 102 yards and three touchdowns against Tennessee, his first true breakout of the year. What stood out most was his burst — he ripped off a 46-yard touchdown in the third quarter that reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most feared backs in football.
Taylor is averaging 112.7 yards and 20 carries per game through three weeks. The Colts ran the ball 28 times against Tennessee compared to 25 pass attempts. That’s been the formula: Taylor sets the tone, Jones capitalizes off play-action, and the defense keeps games within reach.
While the Colts may not possess the most star-studded defense, they have a gritty, opportunistic one. Zaire Franklin summed it up after last week’s win: “It definitely brings a lot of confidence into the locker room … you just got to continue to feed off of that and build off of it.”
Kenny Moore’s pick-six on the third offensive play of the game flipped momentum before it ever tilted toward the Titans. That’s what this Colts defense is starting to do — create chaos. Tyquan Lewis added two sacks, and Indy’s front seven held Tennessee to just 34 total yards in the first quarter.
For the first time in recent memory, the Colts are being talked about as something more than a rebuilding team. They’ve got an unbreakable identity, momentum, and they’ve got an undefeated record, to boot.
The tests will get harder, though. A road trip to face the 2-1 Los Angeles Rams looms in Week 4, followed by divisional battles down the line. But right now, Indianapolis is sitting in the AFC South driver’s seat — and have a promising spot among the NFL’s best.
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