INDIANAPOLIS -- Shane Steichen plans to stick with Daniel Jones as the Colts starting quarterback despite an ugly start to the season, punctuated by a terrible performance in Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Titans.
Jones threw two interceptions, took six sacks and botched his final chance at redemption, firing incomplete on three downs and taking a sack on the other in a two-minute drill at the end of the game.
Steichen was asked after the game if Jones' job was secure at the NFL's most important position.
"Yes, he's our starting quarterback," Steichen said.
Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is the team's backup. Richardson was a starter for two seasons with Steichen, compiling an 8-7 record as a starter but struggling as a passer.
Jones took the job from Richardson last season and led Indianapolis to an 8-2 record before the bye, then played through a fractured fibula until a torn right Achilles tendon in Jacksonville ended his season prematurely.
The Colts bet heavily on Jones this offseason, signing him to a two-year, $88-million extension coming off the torn Achilles tendon. When Indianapolis signed Jones, the Colts were betting on a replica of his 2025 season, when he completed 68.0% of his passes for 3,101 yards, 19 touchdowns and 8 interceptions
Steichen trusts Jones because of his work ethic, ability to read defenses and run the entire offense, issues that led to Indianapolis taking the starting job away from Richardson.
Without being asked about Richardson, Steichen cited the same reasons for why he's sticking with Jones now.
"The preparation and how much he cares about the game goes a long way," Steichen said.
Jones has not been the same in 2026.
Uncertain and jittery in the pocket, Jones is completing only 59.6% of his passes, averaging an ugly 5.9 yards per attempt and turning over the ball at a disturbing clip.
“Taking care of the ball, for one," Jones said Sunday when asked what he needs to do better. "I think it’s the obvious one. I’ve got to do a better job of that to give us a chance to win."
Two more interceptions on Sunday pushed Jones' total to nine turnovers for the season -- six interceptions and three fumbles lost -- and he's struggled against the blitz.
"There’s some times I’ve forced some stuff that’s not there, and I’ve got to be smart about that," Jones said. "Know when it’s there, know when it’s not, and know when to lay the ball off.”
The turnovers cost the Colts dearly Sunday.
Tennessee's hapless offense produced only 186 yards, and the Colts racked up 399, but two interceptions deep in Tennessee territory cost Indianapolis scoring chances.
"I love Daniel," Steichen said. "But we've got to clean up the turnovers, for sure."
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 coach Shane Steichen was asked if he's considered a change at quarterback; his answer