Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen says quarterback Daniel Jones will not be benched, even after a loss to the previously winless Tennessee Titans put fresh scrutiny on the team’s leadership.
Jones threw two interceptions in Sunday’s defeat, raising his season total to six through six games. He has thrown at least one interception in each of his last four outings.
“I think Daniel knows he’s got to play better,” Steichen said. “I got to coach better.”
The Colts have now lost four of their six games this season, including two of three played at home. During Sunday’s game, the home crowd booed, and by the end chants of “fire Ballard” could be heard directed at general manager Chris Ballard.
Steichen said he understood the fans’ frustration. “We’ve got to give them something to cheer about, you know?” he said. “I don’t blame them for booing one freaking bit.”
The loss to the Titans carries particular sting. Tennessee has cycled through quarterback decisions in recent years, passing on Malik Willis and Will Levis as franchise answers before drafting Cam Ward this year, a pick that also appears to be struggling.
Owner Already Sounded the Alarm
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon spoke bluntly last season after her team closed with seven straight losses. “I’m pissed. We’re all pissed,” she said at the time.
“We have been very clear with Chris and Shane that giving them another opportunity means that the sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher. Chris and Shane are both capable of facing this challenge head-on and finding a way to achieve the results that our fans deserve, which is winning games, getting to the postseason and ultimately winning championships.”
Given that warning, both Steichen and Ballard appear to be on thin ice entering the back half of this season unless the Colts turn things around quickly.
Asked directly about his job status, Steichen kept his answer focused on the field. “Obviously, my job is to get this team ready and that’s what I’m focused on right now,” he said.
Whether Steichen and Ballard finish out the season may depend on whether the Colts can reverse course in the coming weeks.
