Colts’ Daniel ‘Indiana’ Jones Emerges As Way-Too-Early MVP Candidate
In the opening weeks of the 2025 NFL season, Daniel Jones has emerged as a surprising force for the Indianapolis Colts, fueling early whispers of MVP consideration. After the New York Giants benched him a couple of seasons ago during a difficult era, Jones has made that decision look foolish by seamlessly adapting to his new teams, most recently the Colts, whom he’s just led to a flawless 3-0 start.
Jones’s turnaround adds a layer of irony, as the Giants languish at 0-3, prompting fans and analysts to chuckle at the stark contrast in fortunes.
Jones’s stats through three games are excellent. He’s thrown for 816 yards, ranking third league-wide, with three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
In Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins, Jones orchestrated a dominant 33-8 victory, followed by a narrow 29-28 win over the Denver Broncos in Week 2. His latest outing against the Tennessee Titans saw him complete 18 of 25 passes for 228 yards and a touchdown, showcasing poise under pressure despite facing blitz-heavy defenses.
Averaging nearly 272 yards per game, Jones has demonstrated improved decision-making and accuracy, attributes that weren’t as clear during his Giants days.
Jones’s 2025 production places him among the most effective quarterbacks early on, drawing comparisons to established stars and sparking MVP buzz in sports media circles.
The comedic twist lies in the Giants’ decision to move on from Jones after six seasons, during which he showed flashes but never sustained elite performance. Now, watching him thrive in Indianapolis while their own offense sputters feels like a punchline to a long-running joke.
Social media is ablaze with memes mocking the Giants’ front office, with fans quipping about “Danny Dimes” (now “Indiana Jones”) finally cashing in elsewhere. The Colts, meanwhile, have capitalized on Jones’s mobility and arm strength, pairing him with a solid supporting cast that amplifies his strengths. His ability to handle aggressive pass rushes demonstrates growth that New York apparently couldn’t unlock.
Yet, it’s wise to temper enthusiasm given the small sample size. Three games represent just a sliver of the 17-game season, and Jones has historically struggled with durability and turnovers over longer stretches. Sustaining this level against tougher opponents will be key to solidifying his MVP candidacy. For now, though, his hot start serves as a reminder of football’s unpredictability, turning a castoff into a potential contender and leaving Giants supporters wondering what might have been.