The Indianapolis Colts opened the 2025 season with a dominant win over the Miami Dolphins, marking their first Week 1 victory since 2013.
Four takeaways from the Colts' 33-8 demolition of the Dolphins.
1. Daniel Jones provides stability at QB
Shane Steichen’s decision to start Jones paid off immediately. The quarterback operated with timing and rhythm, moving the offense efficiently and knowing when to take what was available versus when to push the ball. While not perfect, Jones’ consistency helped sustain drives and put points on the board.
2. Lou Anarumo’s defense controls the game
The Colts’ defensive coordinator created chaos for Miami all afternoon. Through disguise coverages, timely blitzes, and crowding the line, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins managed under 5 yards per play. The Colts generated three takeaways, proving that Anarumo’s scheme and the players executing it were a perfect match.
3. Tyler Warren emerges as a versatile weapon
Warren was a key contributor from the start, finishing the first half with five catches for 57 yards. He also moved around the formation, carried the ball on a third-and-short, and contributed as a blocker in the run game, showing the Colts have another multi-dimensional offensive weapon.
4. Offensive line and game plan deliver
Two first-time starters, Tanor Bortolinni and Matt Goncavles, helped the Colts’ O-line dominate a solid Dolphins front seven. Daniel Jones had a clean pocket all day, and the run game remained productive. Shane Steichen’s balanced game plan — mixing run and pass, motioning players pre-snap, and spreading the ball around — kept Miami off balance and allowed the Colts to control the flow.
Up next for Indianapolis: Sunday, September 14 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (1 p.m. ET on CBS)
