One of the most exciting aspects of the Indianapolis Colts was one that fans never got to see last season. That is expected to change for the upcoming season, however, amid many personnel changes and the rising hopes and expectations that the Colts will break their playoff drought.
Colts fans will get to hopefully see a full season of Daniel Jones at quarterback, which may be the Colts' biggest storyline as the 2026 NFL season approaches. One storyline flying under the radar is Indianapolis's elite cornerback duo, which never had a real chance to play together last season.Â
Now, with his health meter returned to full, Charvarius Ward expects him and Sauce Gardner to do some damage next season, now that they'll finally get an opportunity to take the field together. Ward and Gardner make up one of the best cornerback duos in the league, but Ward knows that names on paper or one thing; what those names produce on the field is another.Â
Indianapolis Colts' Charvarius Ward says he and Sauce Gardner can be 'one of the best' CB duos
It wasn't long after the Colts traded for Gardner that he and Ward were separated. An injury to Ward that would knock him out for the rest of the season ripped away any real playing time between the two. Pairing Gardner with Ward was an excellent move for the Colts, but only now will they have the opportunity to see the two play together for more than a blimp once the new season begins.Â
You'll find it hard-pressed to name a handful of better cornerback duos in the league; Ward and Gardner are certainly at the top of the list. That said, at this point, and with such limited playing time together, that's all Ward and Gardner are: names on paper with great potential. The real test of the duo's greatness will come on the field, and Ward knows this.Â
"On paper, we can be one of the best in the game," Ward said, via Colts Roundtable. "But honestly, we've got to go out there and put in work and get some good continuity together, 'cause shoot, I think last year, me and Sauce only played one game together, like there's not a lot of time together. So, obviously, he can learn a lot from me. I can learn a lot from him."
Ward and Gardner have three All-Pro selections and three Pro Bowl nods between them; those recognitions alone tell a significant part of the story of why their pairing can do so much damage. Having just one corner with half of those honors is great for any defense, but two corners? Well, that's something the Colts hope will lead to a fruitful defense and season.Â
Garnder is about to enter his first full season with the Colts, so there is pressure on him to produce and make good on the trade that brought him to Indianapolis. Seeing Ward on the other side of the field, though, should boost a ton of confidence in Gardner. At the end of the day, the Colts' cornerback room should be considered one of the best; starters and depth combined.Â
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