Daniel Jones Gives Indianapolis a Complete Opening Act Against Miami

INDIANAPOLIS — Daniel Jones accounted for three touchdowns as the Colts beat Miami 33–8 on September 7, opening their season with a quarterback performance that combined production with control.

Jones completed 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for two scores. Indianapolis scored on all seven of its offensive possessions, giving its new starting quarterback an afternoon in which the offense repeatedly converted possession into points.

That consistency mattered as much as the final margin. The Colts did not need a succession of desperate throws to separate from Miami. They built a result through sustained opportunities, protected the football and made the Dolphins chase a game that never developed into a close finish.

Indianapolis recorded no offensive turnovers. Its scoring sequence included three touchdowns and four field goals, an important distinction when evaluating the opener: the offense was productive throughout, even when drives stopped short of the end zone. Miami had no extended stretch of empty Colts possessions on which to build a response.

For Jones, the rushing touchdowns added another way to finish drives. His passing line provided efficiency, while his ability to score on the ground helped turn that efficiency into a decisive advantage. The combination gave Indianapolis more than a promising box score from its quarterback; it gave the entire offense a workable opening performance.

The win ended the Colts' long wait for a season-opening victory. It also left a clear standard for the next stage of the season. Maintaining possession and producing points consistently will matter against opponents that put more pressure on the scoreboard than Miami managed here. After one game, Indianapolis had both the result and a convincing example of how its offense could function.