Steichen Says He Hasn't Thought About a QB Change After Daniel Jones Struggles Again

Shane Steichen isn't ready to change quarterbacks.

After the Colts' 16-10 loss to the Vikings on Sunday in Minneapolis, the Indianapolis coach said he hasn't considered benching Daniel Jones, even after another rough afternoon that ended with a game-sealing interception.

"I have not thought about a quarterback change," Steichen said after the game, per ESPN's Stephen Holder.

"I've got a ton of faith in Daniel. That game plan today was to go run the football and, obviously, at the end, he had the interception. And that happens in football."

— Shane Steichen, Colts Head Coach

Jones finished 13-of-22 for 108 yards and didn't pass 100 yards until his final completion. The interception came on the Colts' last drive, with about a minute left, decent field position and a timeout still in hand. Jones threw into double coverage.

"Obviously, a poor decision there. Can't afford to do that," Jones said. He added that Steichen's backing "means a lot," but "I know my job is to play well for the team to win the game. So, I've got to do a better job."

Minnesota made it hard on him. Brian Flores' defense blitzed on 85% of Jones' dropbacks, per ESPN, the second-highest rate by any team in the past 20 seasons. But the Vikings game fits a pattern. Jones is completing a career-low 59.6% of his passes with four touchdowns and seven interceptions through seven games, and his 41.2 QBR is the second-lowest of his career.

The obvious alternative is Anthony Richardson Sr., who hasn't started since 2024 and was charged in a marijuana possession case last week. Steichen gave no sign Sunday that one is coming.

The quarterback question lands on a team already facing big decisions. The loss was Indianapolis' third straight, and the Colts are now 2-5 with the trade deadline approaching and several starters drawing interest.