CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Indianapolis Colts are off to a blistering 2-0 start, but you won’t catch quarterback Daniel Jones or his teammates celebrating just yet.
Jones pulled back the curtain on the disciplined, process-oriented approach that has the Colts sitting atop the AFC South—and why they’re refusing to get caught up in early-season hype.
“I think it’s just not looking too far ahead of of uh you know where we are in the week or where we are in our process and making sure we’re we’re having the best Wednesday we can have you know and focusing on on you know accomplishing what we need to today,” Jones explained during his Wednesday press conference.
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This laser-focused approach represents a significant culture shift for a franchise that has historically struggled out of the gate. Rather than getting caught up in division standings or playoff projections after just two games, Jones emphasized that the team remains grounded in the present moment.
“I don’t think we’re putting too much uh into looking at the division at this point. I mean, we’re two games into the season and um sure it’s good, you know, great to get off to a to a fast start, but um you know, everyone knows there’s a lot of football to play and and we know that,” Jones stated.
The psychology behind this “process over results” mindset has been proven effective across professional sports. By narrowing their focus to daily improvement rather than season-long outcomes, players avoid the pressure that comes with looking too far ahead. This approach is particularly valuable for a team trying to establish a new identity under Steichen’s leadership.
What makes this discipline especially powerful is the buy-in across the locker room. Jones noted a palpable sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among his teammates.
“Yeah, I think so for sure. I think we’ve got um a lot of guys who are who are bought into to what we’re doing and uh want to win more than anything. You know, no one’s bigger than than that. No one’s bigger than the team,” Jones said, highlighting the selfless attitude permeating the organization.
This team-first mentality stands in stark contrast to franchises that may become complacent after early success. The Colts’ approach ensures they maintain the same preparation standards regardless of their record, treating each week as its own separate challenge.
As the Colts prepare for their first road test against the Tennessee Titans, this day-by-day focus will be crucial. Rather than resting on the laurels of their 2-0 start, they’re breaking down the week into manageable chunks, mastering Thursday before thinking about Friday, and so on.
For Colts fans excited about the team’s hot start, Jones’ comments provide reassurance that this team is built for the long haul, not just early-season success. The true measure of Steichen’s “discipline” philosophy will come as the season progresses, but the foundation appears rock-solid.
Want to hear more insights from Daniel Jones on the Colts’ undefeated start and their preparation for the Titans? Listen to the full podcast episode for exclusive details on how this team is building something special in Indianapolis.