The Indianapolis Colts' offense was nearly flawless against the Los Angeles Chargers as Shane Steichen called the shots.

The Indianapolis Colts are the hottest team in the NFL right now. Behind the dynamic pairing of quarterback Daniel Jones and head coach Shane Steichen, the Colts have surged to a 7-1 record, their best start in over a decade.

For the second week in a row, rookie Riley Leonard will be the Indianapolis Colts' backup quarterback, said head coach Shane Steichen after Friday's practice. However, Steichen did also add the caveat that Leonard is the backup "for right now," signaling that nothing is set in stone at this time.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/colts as Colts' Shane Steichen Speaks on 'Emotional' Win vs. Chargers. Five years ago, Shane Steichen was working with the Los Angeles Chargers and then-rookie quarterback Justin Herbert in his first year as a full-time offensive coordinator in the NFL.

Legendary Chargers tight end Antonio Gates was given his Hall of Fame ring at halftime as part of the team’s alumni weekend, a weekend that brought dozens of Chargers greats to SoFi Stadium to be recognized.

Following Friday's practice, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steiche announced that wide receiver Josh Downs is available for the team's Week 8 game with Tennessee. Downs entered concussion protocol after the Colts ' Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals. After not practicing last week, he then did not play this past Sunday in LA.

With quarterback Daniel Jones behind center, the Colts have become the league’s top offense, entering Week 8 ranked No. 1 in points and No. 2 in total yards.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen walks the sideline during the game Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, against the Arizona Cardinals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. / Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After the Colts' Week 6 win over the Cardinals, head coach Shane Steichen provided a brief injury update on quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Nobody thought that the Indianapolis Colts would have a historically great passing game with Daniel Jones, but that's exactly what's happening. Doug Farrar investigates the whys and wherefores.