Shane Steichen isn’t ready to rip up the plan at quarterback after the Colts’ latest collapse.
Following Indianapolis’ 26-20 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, the head coach made it clear he is not making an immediate move away from Daniel Jones. The questions came fast after the Colts blew a 13-point halftime lead at Lucas Oil Stadium and fell to 2-4 as Tennessee grabbed its first win of the season.
Steichen was asked about potential changes in his coaching staff and said, “I’m looking at everything. But right now I’m good with our staff,” according to 107.5 The Fan’s Kevin Bowen on X.
Bowen also reported that Steichen said Jones is the team’s starting quarterback.
Jones stayed at the center of the conversation after another frustrating afternoon for Indianapolis. He threw a touchdown pass in the first half, and the Colts looked in control early with a 13-0 cushion by halftime. But the game turned after the break as turnovers and special-teams breakdowns opened the door for Tennessee.
The Titans did the heavy damage with their defense and kicking game. They sacked Jones and the Colts six times, and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown became one of the biggest swings of the day. Indianapolis managed to tie the game late, but Joey Slye put Tennessee back in front with 2:03 remaining and then added another field goal as time expired.
The Colts also had to get by without second-year tight end Tyler Warren, who missed the game with a groin injury. That left Jones with one fewer option in the passing game as the offense tried to hold off the comeback.
Steichen’s comments don’t lock Indianapolis into anything long term, but for now the coach is sticking with Jones. After a loss like this, the Colts still have plenty to sort through, and their execution on both sides of the ball is going to be under the microscope heading into their next game.
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One wrinkle for the Colts is the status of Tyler Warren, who is dealing with a groin injury after getting hurt in practice Friday and is listed as questionable. His availability will be worth watching as the week closes out, especially in a game where every healthy body matters and the margin for error is thin. There is also some intrigue around how the quarterback situation could unfold if Indianapolis gets control early, leaving at least one part of Sundays game plan hanging in the balance until kickoff. [Read more 🡒]
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Colts Face A Tyler Warren Concern Right Before Titans Game
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ESPNs Jeremy Fowler reported that Warren is expected to go down to a game-time decision, with the possibility he could suit up in a limited role. For a Colts offense that has leaned on Warrens presence, the timing is less than ideal heading into a division game, and it leaves one of their more important skill-position pieces in limbo until kickoff. [Read more 🡒]