Daniel Jones has struggled to establish himself among the NFL’s top starting quarterbacks, and his latest performances have intensified questions about his standing in the league. The Indianapolis Colts quarterback entered Week 5 ranked No. 28 among 32 starters, reflecting concerns about his passing efficiency, turnovers and ability to consistently generate touchdowns.
The ranking placed Jones near the bottom of the league despite Indianapolis showing flashes of competitiveness early in the season. Through four games, he had thrown three touchdown passes against four interceptions, averaging just 5.7 yards per attempt. Those numbers highlighted an offense struggling to generate explosive plays through the air, making it difficult to keep pace with teams featuring more productive quarterbacks.
Dec 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) stands in shoot gun formation prior to the snap against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
The Week 5 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers offered another opportunity to reverse that narrative, but the results were disappointing. He completed 24 of 44 passes for 267 yards without a touchdown or interception in a 34-22 loss. Although avoiding turnovers represented a positive development, the inability to finish drives through the air limited the offense’s scoring potential.
Indianapolis repeatedly settled for field goals instead of touchdowns, with kicker Spencer Shrader converting five attempts. Tight end Tyler Warren scored the team’s lone offensive touchdown on a one-yard run, leaving the passing attack without a trip to the end zone. The result underscored a recurring problem for the offense, which has struggled to turn promising possessions into touchdowns when facing pressure.
An injured Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) talks with team staff Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, ahead of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Jones landed the 28th spot in a list of starting quarterbacks in the league. This is detailed more in an analysis by Garrett Podell for CBS Sports.
Daniel Jones is averaging the second-lowest passing yards per attempt (5.7) in the NFL this season with just four total touchdowns to seven turnovers, tied for the second-most in the league. Jones is just one for nine on throws of 20-plus air yards with a league-worst 11% completion percentage on such throws. He is a tough, tough watch.
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Daniel Jones is averaging the second-lowest passing yards per attempt (5.7) in the NFL this season with just four total touchdowns to seven turnovers, tied for the second-most in the league. Jones is just one for nine on throws of 20-plus air yards with a league-worst 11% completion percentage on such throws. He is a tough, tough watch.
Several factors complicate the evaluation, including injuries among the receiving corps and the challenge of regaining form after an Achilles injury ended his 2025 season. Those circumstances offer context for the uneven production, but Jones must still improve his accuracy, timing and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Indianapolis needs more consistent passing efficiency to remain competitive against stronger opponents.
For now, the No. 28 ranking reflects a difficult start rather than a final verdict on his season. Better protection, healthier receiving options and improved red-zone execution could help Jones climb the rankings, but the responsibility to produce more touchdowns remains central to his turnaround.
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