Colts Risers and Fallers in Triumphant Week 1 Victory

The Indianapolis Colts honored late owner Jim Irsay with a dominant win over the Miami Dolphins.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) ruses up the field Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Miami Dolphins, 33-8. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts torched the Miami Dolphins to open their 2025 campaign with a dominant 33-8 victory.

The Colts put on a gorgeous display of team football to complement the late CEO Jim Irsay's Ring of Honor ceremony. Now, the team is 1-0 for the first time since 2013.

With so much to cover and praise, it's difficult to find negatives, but they're there.

Here are the risers and fallers from Indy's huge Week 1 win against the visiting Dolphins.

Riser | Daniel Jones

Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Daniel Jones wasn't being given much of a chance heading to Indy to start, but after seeing what he accomplished in Shane Steichen's offense on Sunday, the narratives are already shifting.

Jones was fantastic, completing 22/29 passes for 272 yards through the air and a huge 27-yard score to Michael Pittman Jr.

Daniel Jones to Michael Pittman Jr. connection!#MIAvsIND on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/PYMcl8DT11

— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025

Jones also tacked on two more scores on the ground and 26 rushing yards. In short, Jones looked better than anyone could have expected. He'll try to connect this performance into next week when the Colts defend Lucas Oil against the Denver Broncos.

Faller | Run Defense

Indianapolis Colts safety Camryn Bynum (0) pushes Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) during the second half of a game Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Dolphins 33-8. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It was difficult to notch negatives from such a clean victory, but the Colts did allow some solid run-game operation from Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.

While it wasn't a multitude, the Dolphins finished with 78 rushing yards on 12 carries (6.5 average), with De'Von Achane leading the charge with 55 on seven attempts (7.9 average).

Indy won't always see this type of dominance, so they'll look to be better against opposing ground attacks going forward.

Riser | Tyler Warren

Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) runs against Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) and cornerback Jack Jones (23) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Colts' rookie tight end Tyler Warren was drafted to upgrade the brutally bad performance from the position last year. After seeing what he accomplished in his first NFL regular-season game, it's safe to say it's better than before.

Warren led the team in targets (nine), catches (seven), and was second in receiving yards to Pittman (76). Warren was also used as a fullback and showed his blocking abilities often.

Tyler Warren pro debut:

- 7 receptions on 9 targets
- 76 receiving yards (10.9 avg)
- 1 rush for 3 yards (from fullback)
- 5 first down gains

📸: @Colts pic.twitter.com/zlgHTzEMuN

— Noah Compton (@nerlens_) September 7, 2025

Warren looked like a star for the Colts, and while it's far too early to solidify that tag on the former Nittany Lion, it's an incredible start to his NFL career.

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

Faller | Josh Downs

Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Kenneth Grant (90) tackles Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Colts wideout Josh Downs is one of the team's most reliable pass-catchers and was slated to thrive with Jones under center. But the Dolphins kept the third-year pro in check.

Jones hit on 22 passes, with 13 going to Pittman (six) and Warren (seven), leaving nine others on the field. However, Downs only saw three targets, caught two, and logged only 12 yards.

Again, it was hard to find negatives, but this isn't the start Downs wanted. We'll see if he can adjust and gain more against the Broncos next Sunday.

Riser | Lou Anarumo

New Indianapolis Colts Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo speaks during a press conference Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at the Colts practice facility, the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. | Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

New Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was in charge of both McDaniel and QB Tagovailoa on Sunday afternoon.

Anarumo's defense logged three sacks, constant pressure, three turnovers (two picks), and allowed only 211 team yards from Miami.

Anarumo's scheme was so complex that it led to two sacks from the secondary (Kenny Moore II and Nick Cross) and a pick from a defensive edge (Laiatu Latu). In short, Anarumo systematically picked apart Miami's offense.

Lou Anarumo is destroying the #Dolphins offense. Wow.

— Drake Wally (@DwallsterDrake) September 7, 2025

Faller | Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) leaps to catch the ball Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Miami Dolphins, 33-8. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Indy's most explosive and exciting wideout, Alec Pierce, was grossly limited against the Dolphins due to Jones running the offensive show under center.

The vertical threat is more formidable with a QB who throws downfield, and while Jones did take some shots, Pierce only snagged one catch for 36 yards.

Daniel Jones just needed to be back in Duke colors. And what a snag from Pierce. pic.twitter.com/97FLtzn7Zz

— NFL Fashion Advice (@fashion_nfl) September 7, 2025

It's just one game, but Pierce was assumed to struggle as a vertical threat when paired with a safer operator like Jones under center. This connection will be one to monitor as the Colts' season moves along.