INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts registered their first opening-week win in a dozen years last Sunday, putting a stranglehold on the Miami Dolphins to the tune of a 33-8 outcome.
It gives the Colts a 1-0 start to their season and a rare share of the lead in the AFC South. However, nationally, some are still skeptical despite the Colts acing their first test.
ESPN's weekly NFL power rankings gave the Colts a better mark than the week prior, jumping a few spots to No. 23 after ranking No. 26 entering the season. However, should they still be among the bottom 10 teams? ESPN's "power panel of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities" certainly thought so.
Almost universally, people's "yeah, but" for the Colts centered around the quarterback position and starter Daniel Jones, but Jones countered with one of the best games of his career. He went 22-of-29 passing (75.9%) with 298 yards of offense, three total touchdowns, and no turnovers, and the Colts' offense scored on all seven of their possessions.
Jones found who may be his favorite target throughout the year, rookie tight end Tyler Warren, who ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder deemed the team's "best newcomer."
"The rookie, drafted 14th overall, had a debut that confirmed everything the Colts had projected," Holder said of Warren. "Warren led the team with seven receptions, even hauling in a deep ball from quarterback Daniel Jones. As expected, he was difficult to bring down, with 33 of his 76 yards coming after the catch.
"Warren also lined up at fullback and converted a first down on a short-yardage dive play, an element to his game he displayed at Penn State. His seven catches tied for the third most by a tight end in his debut."
The team, in general, played complementary football, but the offense as a whole did so specifically. Head coach Shane Steichen's philosophy is to throw to score points and run to win the game. After taking a commanding lead in the first half, the Colts turned to the run in the second half, ultimately running the ball 40 times in the game for 156 yards (3.9 avg.) and Jones' two goal-line scores.
Colts running backs Jonathan Taylor and rookie DJ Giddens account for 30 carries for 112 yards (3.7 avg.).
Indianapolis' offensive line was considered a wild card entering the contest, as they ushered in two new starters in center Tanor Bortolini and right guard Matt Goncalves. Right tackle Braden Smith was also making his first start since last November.
The Colts' blocking performance was outstanding, as Pro Football Focus graded their pass blocking (86.5) as the best in the league and their run blocking (69.8) as fifth.
The Colts' run defense played relatively well, save for a play or two they'd like back. In all, Miami had 78 yards on 12 carries (6.5 avg.). However, running backs accounted for 59 yards on nine carries (6.6 avg.), and much of that was achieved with one 26-yard run by De'Von Achane. Otherwise, the total numbers dip to 52 yards on 11 carries (4.7 avg.).
Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo had Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in turmoil, causing enough confusion and doubt, play to play, to make Tagovailoa hold onto the ball uncharacteristically long.
Tagovailoa was 14-of-23 passing (60.9%), with 114 yards (5.0 avg.), one touchdown, and three total turnovers, compiling a passer rating of 51.7 and an ESPN QBR of 2.7.
On special teams, the Colts didn't punt once, but on kickoff coverage, they allowed a return average of 24.1 yards, and kicker Spencer Shrader made all seven of his kicks: four field goals, from 24, 28, 35, and 48 yards, and all three extra points.
This was a complete team performance, getting significant contributions from the offense, defense, and special teams. However, if the Colts can beat ESPN's No. 11 team, the Denver Broncos (1-0) on Sunday, perhaps they will surge forward comfortably into the top 20.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.