Colts make notable change after Week 1 loss

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Colts make notable change after Week 1 loss

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Sep 16, 2026 1:43 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts defense was gashed by Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in a 41-23 loss at home in Week 1.

Now, head coach Shane Steichen is wasting no time and implementing a change on defense. Steichen is moving the green dot from safety Cam Bynum to linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither after the Colts coach said the communication was not good in the season opener.

NEW: Colts coach Shane Steichen says LB Akeem Davis-Gaither will now wear the helmet transmitter this week and make the defensive calls. The Colts had numerous issues in Week 1 when safety Cam Bynum was struggling to play deep in the secondary and also run the huddle.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 16, 2026

It is a bit unusual for a safety to wear the green dot, and the Colts defense didn’t play well whatsoever against Jackson and the Ravens.

Baltimore scored 31 points in the first half, including 17 in the second quarter. Derrick Henry ran wild as he set another NFL record, and the Ravens running back had 144 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries as the Colts had no answers.

The Colts allowed 506 yards on defense in an ugly Week 1 outing, and Steichen is hoping this change will help right away.

Indianapolis takes on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead in Week 2.

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