Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones surprised plenty of people with his Week 1 performance against the Miami Dolphins: 22-of-29 passing for 272 yards, one passing touchdown and two rushing touchdowns.
Former NFL QB David Carr saw flashes of a Colts legend in Jones’ performance.
“He made some great checks at the line of scrimmage. He was really on it,” Carr said Sept. 10 on the “Dan Patrick Show.” “It was funny because he looked like Peyton (Manning). You get in the same uniform. You’re in that building. He’s got the same mannerisms. I’m going to follow and study Indy the rest of the year.”
Carr played plenty against Manning. The first draft pick in Houston Texans history (2002) played his first five seasons there, but was mostly remembered for being buried in an avalanche of sacks (249).
Carr said he tried to mimic Manning’s command of the line of scrimmage and wishes more current quarterbacks had that ability.
“That’s what I miss about the current quarterback state. There’s not a lot of guys doing that anymore,” Carr said. “That’s why I got so excited about Daniel Jones because he’s up there making checks, moving guys around. He has that ability.”
Jones was cut by the New York Giants late last season, and new Giants QB Russell Wilson had a rough opener in a loss to Washington. Carr pondered whether the performances of Jones and Wilson had more to do with their current situations as opposed to personal ability.
“Russ was on a playoff team last year, and he moves to New York, and, oh, he can’t play anymore. Daniel Jones left New York and now all of a sudden he can play,” Carr said. “Are we talking about the scenario and the surrounding components, or are we talking about specific players?
“If these guys are in good situations, they’re going to play well. If they’re not in good situations, they’re not going to play well.”
Joel A. Erickson covers the Colts all season. Get more coverage on IndyStarTV and with the Colts Insider newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Daniel Jones compared to Peyton Manning by former NFL quarterback David Carr