The Colts have a chance to win back-to-back season openers for the first time since 2007, the year after their Super Bowl championship. Their record over the course of the last 20 years on opening-day is 5-14-1.
Once again, their season will be kicked off inside Lucas Oil Stadium in front of the home crowd, but this time around, the conversations surrounding the team are vastly different than from a year ago. The Colts will make an attempt to silence the noise this Sunday at 1 p.m. Eastern against the Baltimore Ravens.
With those conversations come expectations, and there are some sizable ones. The Colts broke the week one losing streak in a massive way last year in a 33-8 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
This year their opponent looks to be a bit more challenging and quite confident.
Two time MVP and Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said this about the upcoming season, “I don't believe a defense knows what's in store for them.”
Jackson and the Ravens will present some major challenges in the Colts’ pursuit of a Week 1 win, but there are a few key things the Colts can do that may lead it to victory.
1. Get Daniel Jones settled in early
Coming back from a season-ending injury is never a smooth transition, but there are things that can be done to make it smoother. A lot of this will depend on playcaller Shane Steichen and the way he approaches the drives.
With a whole host of weapons at Jones’ disposal, this shouldn’t be something that is all too difficult to do. With pass catchers such as Tyler Warren, Alec Pierce and Josh Downs, Steichen should focus on short, easy completions to settle Jones into a rhythm.
Last year, Jones wasted no time getting going, but things have changed since then, and so has the opponent. It's no secret that the Ravens’ defense is far better than what the Dolphins presented last season.
That said, the Colts can exploit the fact that the Ravens have a new head coach and defensive play caller in Jesse Minter. Minter has only had one offseason with this Ravens defense, and the Colts could take advantage of that by getting their offense rolling early.
2. Contain Derrick Henry
Henry is someone the Colts are all too familiar with, and they know how he can change a football game any given Sunday. In 16 games against the Colts, the running back has rushed for 1,432 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Although he has aged since his days with the Titans, Henry remains a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Not only can Henry break off big runs, but he can also pick up yards in the short yardage situations. Long, drawn-out drives could take the Colts’ home crowd out of the game and give the Ravens an advantage. This is something the Colts should be aware of, considering how many times Henry has walked into Lucas Oil and done exactly that.
Fortunately for the Colts, they have a strong counterattack. With players on the defensive line such as DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, it won't be a cakewalk for Derrick Henry to reach the second level of the defense. Colts Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo will likely emphasize keeping the former Offensive Player of the Year in front of them.
3. Win the turnover battle
This key to victory is applicable to any NFL game, but there are some specific reasons it is so vital this week.
In 2024, the Ravens led the league in red-zone touchdown percentage. Giving Baltimore a short field via a turnover could be detrimental to the Colts’ chances of winning the game. Last year, the Ravens were not as effective in the red zone, finishing 30th among all teams. But with new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, the Ravens become unpredictable and dangerous while retaining the majority of their offensive weapons from 2024.
In contrast, creating turnovers is an easy way to keep the fans engaged. Indianapolis fans are always loud and rowdy, but after the disappointment of last season, expect some extra energy inside Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.
Cam Bynum might be the biggest ballhawk on the Colts’ defense, leading the team last season with five turnovers. Bynum, a leader on the defense, was named a captain for the first time in his six NFL seasons.
It’s no secret that winning the turnover margin can significantly increase a team's chances of victory.
It won't be easy considering all the stars that Baltimore possesses, but the Colts will be fully healthy for the first time since Jones went down in Week 14 last season. Pierce is also expected to take the field this week.
With both sides fully healthy, this has the makings to be a must-watch game when kickoff arrives this Sunday.
