Having success against the Dolphins defense is one thing.
Having success against the Broncos defense is something totally different.
Last week, the Colts offense ranked:
#2 in early down success
#2 in overall success
#4 in yards per play
Early down efficiency was something they lacked last year.
On early downs this season, the Colts rank:
#1 in success rate
#1 in EPA per play
#1 in passing success
#5 in rushing success
On early downs last season, the Colts ranked:
#28 in success rate
#23 in EPA per play
#26 in passing success
#22 in rushing success
It’s still early, but there is a stat I was not expecting to see this season.
Jones is averaging MORE air yards per attempt on first down than Anthony Richardson did last year!
The difference is that on these first down throws, Jones is averaging a 72% completion rate.
Richardson was at 52%.
Jones is averaging +0.59 EPA per dropback, while Richardson was at -0.01.
Leaguewide on first down, Jones is averaging:
#2 deepest target depth
#1 EPA per attempt
#2 yards per attempt
#4 success rate
An insane 50% of Jones' first down passes have been first downs.
That is #1 in the NFL.
The NFL average is 27%.
Credit where it’s due. Jones has been outstanding.
But we also can’t overlook the role of Shane Steichen in the strategy of this offense.
The Colts have one of the highest early down run rates, but when they throw the ball,
64% of the time it’s off of play action, the #1 highest rate in the NFL.
It’s been a lot of fun to watch thus far, but both games have come at home.
Let’s see how things go in Tennessee next week.
