Daniel Jones didn’t hide it Sunday. For the first time this season, the Colts quarterback let the frustration show after another rough afternoon and another loss, a 27-23 defeat to Dallas that ended with three straight Jones mistakes, capped by an interception on third-and-22 to close it out.
Jones knows he’s part of the problem. He has not delivered on the trust Indianapolis showed him this offseason, and the offense has gone nowhere with him under center. But his irritation also pointed beyond his own play, especially after the Colts dealt left guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, moves that have fueled speculation about who could be next to go.
“Yeah, I mean, there's been decisions made outside of our control as players, and obviously that affects us,” Jones said. “But it's our job to play and go out and play well every week, so that's our job as players, and whether we're frustrated, whether we're confused by some of the decisions, it's our job to play.”
The quarterback’s numbers tell the story. Jones has completed 60.3% of his passes, averaged 5.7 yards per attempt and thrown 10 interceptions against just six touchdowns.
He also hasn’t been able to make up for the absence of wide receiver Alec Pierce, another offseason priority for former Colts general manager Chris Ballard. Pierce has played only 49 snaps because of an ongoing heel injury, leaving Jones with a thin receiving group and few answers.
Even with that production, Jones’ name has come up in trade chatter before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline. Reports over the weekend said teams have checked in with Indianapolis about acquiring him, and Minnesota stands out as a possible fit because of its quarterback need, its history with Jones and its playoff push built on a defense that has been dominating opponents.
Jones said the noise hasn’t changed his focus.
“Obviously, just a ton to focus on with Dallas and the game today, so, I think that's where my focus has been,” Jones said. “You see a lot of stuff.
There's been plenty of distractions the last couple weeks with all the stuff that's gone on, and it's unfortunate we're in that position, but I think as players, your job is to focus as much on what's in front of you, and playing quarterback, there's a lot to focus on getting ready for a game. That was my approach.”
Against Dallas, Jones finished 20 of 34 for 180 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also said he has not asked for a trade and made it clear he still believes in head coach Shane Steichen.
“I believe in Shane,” Jones said. “I believe in what we're doing.
I love playing for Shane. So like I said, I hadn't thought about it much.
I've been so focused on Dallas and making sure I was ready to go today.”
For now, that’s the plan. Jones said he’ll keep preparing the same way he always does, even with less than two days left before the deadline and the possibility that Indianapolis could move him before next week’s game against the Dolphins.
“Continue do what I always do on Monday and Tuesday,” Jones said. “That’s review the game, see where I can be better, see where I can improve, get my body back physically, and attack this next week.”
If the Colts decide to deal him, Jones said he’ll handle it when it happens.
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