Colts Crush Dolphins as Daniel Jones Shines in Debut

The Indianapolis Colts opened the 2025 season in dominant fashion, rolling past the Miami Dolphins 33 to 8. It was a statement win for a team with new faces in key spots and a sobering wake-up call for Miami, who looked lost from the opening whistle.

Daniel Jones Delivers in First Colts Start

The Colts’ decision to hand the offense to Daniel Jones paid off immediately. Jones was efficient, confident, and decisive, completing 22 of 29 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown while adding two more scores on quarterback sneaks.

He spread the ball around with ease, building early chemistry with Michael Pittman (six catches for 80 yards and a 27 yard touchdown on a slick double move) and rookie tight end Tyler Warren (seven receptions for 76 yards). Even with Jonathan Taylor held to a modest 71 rushing yards on 18 carries, the offense clicked on all cylinders. The Colts scored on all seven of their possessions, showing balance and creativity that has been missing in recent years.

For Jones, often criticized for inconsistency, this was the perfect start to his Indianapolis chapter.

Dolphins Collapse in Ugly Fashion

Things could not have gone much worse for Miami. Tua Tagovailoa looked completely out of rhythm, tossing three turnovers while failing to make quick decisions. He did not complete a single pass under pressure and threw two interceptions without even being pressured, highlighting how unsettled he looked.

The Dolphins sorely missed the playmaking of Tyreek Hill and De’Von Achane, both limited by preseason injuries. They also looked like a team regretting July’s trade of tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, as their absence left glaring holes.

Miami was dominated in nearly every category:

• First downs: 12 to 27

• Total yards: 211 to 418

• Time of possession: 21:17 to 38:43

The defense allowed conversions on all three Colts fourth down attempts, and the offense failed to reach 100 total yards until late in the third quarter, long after the game was out of hand. For a team with high expectations, this was an embarrassing opener.

Lou Anarumo’s Perfect Colts Debut

After leaving Cincinnati, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo wasted no time making his presence felt in Indianapolis. His game plan suffocated Miami from start to finish.

The Colts disguised coverages, brought pressure from all angles, and forced mistake after mistake. Kenny Moore notched a sack and forced fumble recovered by Xavien Howard, Nick Cross came free on a blitz to level Tagovailoa, and rookie edge rusher Laiatu Latu even dropped into coverage for an interception.

It felt like everyone on the Colts defense made a play. By the end, the Dolphins were beaten in every phase, and Anarumo looked like the right hire to revamp Indy’s defense.

By the Numbers

• Daniel Jones became just the fifth quarterback since 1950 to post 250 or more passing yards and two or more rushing touchdowns in a season opener.

• The Dolphins did not eclipse 100 total yards until nearly 40 minutes into the game.

• Miami finished with zero completions under pressure, a stunning stat for a veteran quarterback like Tagovailoa.

The Bottom Line

The Colts made a statement in Week 1. Daniel Jones looked like the steady presence they needed, the offense found a rhythm, and Lou Anarumo’s defense dominated.

For the Dolphins, this was more than just a loss. It was an outright dismantling that raises serious concerns about their direction. Unless Miami finds answers quickly, the panic button may already be within reach.