INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time this season, Daniel Jones finally showed frustration with everything going on around him.
Jones knows he’s a big reason why the Colts have gotten into this position.
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He hasn’t come close to rewarding the faith the organization showed in him this offseason, and he struggled again in Sunday’s 27-23 loss to Dallas, a game that ended with three consecutive mistakes by Jones, including an interception on third-and-22 to end the game.
But Jones also indicated frustration with the team’s decision to trade left guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, two early trades that have ensured the last two weeks have been dominated about who might be shipped out next.
“Yeah, I mean, there’s been decisions made outside of our control as players, and obviously that affects us,” Jones said. “But it’s our job to play and go out and play well every week, so that’s our job as players, and whether we’re frustrated, whether we’re confused by some of the decisions, it’s our job to play.”
Jones has not played well.
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He hasn’t been able to overcome the loss of wide receiver Alec Pierce, the other key target of the Indianapolis offseason.
When former Colts general manager Chris Ballard set the table for the offseason, he made Jones and Pierce his priorities; Pierce has played just 49 snaps due to an ongoing heel injury, and Jones has floundered without him, unable to make plays with a subpar group of receivers.
Jones has completed only 60.3% of his passes, averaged an ugly 5.7 yards per attempt and thrown 10 interceptions while tossing just six touchdowns, leaving the Indianapolis offense unable to do much of anything on a week-to-week basis.
Despite the quarterback’s performance, there have been reports this weekend that teams have reached out to the Colts about trading for Jones before 4 p.m. Tuesday, the NFL’s trade deadline. Minnesota, in particular, has a need at quarterback, history with Jones and playoff aspirations based on the way the Vikings defense has dominated the opposition.
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Jones tried to shrug off that speculation on Sunday.
“Obviously, just a ton to focus on with Dallas and the game today, so, I think that’s where my focus has been,” Jones said. “You see a lot of stuff. There’s been plenty of distractions the last couple weeks with all the stuff that’s gone on, and it’s unfortunate we’re in that position, but I think as players, your job is to focus as much on what’s in front of you, and playing quarterback, there’s a lot to focus on getting ready for a game. That was my approach.”
Jones completed 20 of 34 passes for 180 yards, one touchdown and one interception on Sunday.
He indicated he has not requested a trade, and Jones reiterated his faith in head coach Shane Steichen when he was asked Sunday if he still wants to be in Indianapolis.
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“I believe in Shane,” Jones said. “I believe in what we’re doing. I love playing for Shane. So like I said, I hadn’t thought about it much. I’ve been so focused on Dallas and making sure I was ready to go today.”
That’s what Jones will continue to do.
Less than two days remain before the deadline, but if the Colts decide to trade him, they’ll be pulling Jones away from his preparation for next week’s game against the Dolphins.
“Continue do what I always do on Monday and Tuesday,” Jones said. “That’s review the game, see where I can be better, see where I can improve, get my body back physically, and attack this next week.”
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If the Colts decided to send Jones elsewhere, he’ll make that adjustment once he gets the news.
Joel A. Erickson and Nathan Brown cover the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts QB Daniel Jones: ‘Whether we’re confused by some of the decision, it’s our job to play’
