As Bert Jones matured the Colts featured one of the most potent offenses in the NFL.  From 1976 through 1977 Jones ascended, as one of the National Football League's premiere quarterbacks.  In 1977, Jones lead the league in completions, was second in passing yards, while ranking fifth overall in touchdown passes.  His 1976 season is considered to be one of the greatest in the history of the NFL.    

With the rocket armed, fearlessly commanding, and intelligent Jones at the helm, the Colts became legitimate contenders.  This all came crashing down when Jones was injured in the final preseason game of the 1978 season by Detroit defensive lineman Al "Bubba" Baker.  After missing some time, Jones came back for an October affair against the rival Jets.  As fate would have it Jones would re-injure his shoulder in that game.

The ailing Colts, foundering without their leader, found some relief when Jones entered the starting lineup three weeks later in a Monday Night tilt with Washington.  Jones would successfully guide the Colts to victory off of three touchdown passes, but along the way, he re-aggravated the wounded shoulder.  Miraculously, Jones played through the pain that one spectacular Monday night- it was a glorious moment in an otherwise troubling time for Jones and the Baltimore Colts.  A week later Jones was forced to exit the game yet again as his injured shoulder shot with unrelenting pain.