Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen has not dismissed the possibility of benching starting quarterback Daniel Jones after the team's significant 42-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Steichen indicated that the coaching staff will "evaluate everything" following the disappointing performance. "It wasn't good enough, flat-out wasn't good enough," Steichen told reporters. "We got outplayed and we've got to learn from our mistakes in a hurry."
He added that effort and energy must be present weekly, stating, "If not, you're going to get beat like that. Clearly, I've got to do a better job, plain and simple. It starts with me as the head coach. I've got to do a better job to get these guys ready to go. That wasn't it today."
This latest defeat marked the sixth loss of the season for the Colts, increasing the pressure on Jones's position as the team's starting signal-caller. Jones was replaced in the game with approximately 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter, having thrown for 144 yards and two interceptions.
"I've got to play better," Jones stated after the game. "I've got to execute more consistently, put the team in a position to score points and win these games."
Jones, 29, is reportedly still recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon that he sustained in the offseason. Despite signing a contract extension in March, the deal is structured in a way that may offer the Colts an opportunity to move on, raising questions about his long-term future with the team.
Backup quarterback Anthony Richardson expressed his support for Jones, stating, "We're sticking with him. He's got my full support. I'm supporting him 1,000 percent. It's tough to play quarterback in this league, it's tough to play quarterback in general. When the spotlight's on you like this, you've just got to keep your head down and keep working."