If they can stay healthy, the Indianapolis Colts should have one of the strongest cornerback tandems in the game. Charvarius Ward and Sauce Gardner can keep most wideouts in check, and there are plenty of talented pass catchers in the AFC South.
That's why this team should hope that Brian Thomas Jr.'s 2026 season looks more than last year's than his rookie season. He was one of the most disappointing players in the league in 2025, and the jury is out on him ahead of year 3.
As The Athletic's Jeff Howe pointed out, Thomas' sophomore year was pretty much a nightmare. Still, with his body of work and what he showed as a rookie, the Colts' defense certainly won't want him to wake up:
The Indianapolis Colts must keep the Jaguars on their toes
"Thomas, a first-round pick under the previous regime, fell behind receivers Parker Washington and trade-deadline acquisition Jakobi Meyers down the stretch," Howe wrote, deeming his season a 'nighmtarish output.' "With Travis Hunter likely to generate more usage and a reliance on tight ends, Thomas needs to find a way to make himself more consistently impactful."
Trevor Lawrence's Jaguars have been a problem for the Colts. He's logged 2,085 yards, 13 touchdowns and four interceptions with a 100.3 passer rating and a 7-2 record in nine career games versus them.
Thomas has already proven he can be an explosive playmaker with strong YAC ability, whether in the slot or outside. Most of his struggles from last year seemed to be mental, and now that he's under more pressure and forced to share the spotlight with Jakobi Meyers, things might be even worse for him in 2026.
Still, it's not like Thomas was unplayable. His struggles were somewhat overblown because of the high expectations after a 1,200-yard, 10-touchdown rookie season, but he still hauled in 48 catches for 707 yards and two scores across 14 games. Those numbers aren't half bad for a WR2.
The Colts' defense struggled mightily against the pass in the first year of the Lou Anarumo regime. They gave up the second-most passing yards (4,462), ranked in the middle of the pack in receiving touchdowns (21), and failed to put pressure on the quarterback.
Trevor Lawrence has had their number since the Jaguars made him the No. 1 pick, and with an improved supporting cast and a sharp offensive play-caller taking the reins of the offense, stopping him will be a tall order.
As such, the Colts can only hope that Thomas' regression doesn't stop in 2025. And while they should still be better with Gardner and Ward at full strength, they'll need every minor edge they can get to reclaim their spot at the top of the AFC South.
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