The Indianapolis Colts face a tough challenge in their 2026 regular season opener. The Baltimore Ravens are projected to be one of the best teams in the NFL this year and a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The Colts have potential, but also plenty of holes to fill.
While the Baltimore defense can’t be ignored, Indianapolis also has to figure out how to stop an offense led by two-time MVP Lamar Jackson and future Hall of Famer Derrick Henry. The key to doing that might have just been revealed.
On Monday, the Ravens announced that fourth-year pro Jovaughn Gwyn will be the team’s starting center in Week 1. Gwyn will be making the first start of his NFL career, and that means he will be an ideal target for the Colts’ defense.
Indianapolis Colts defense must take advantage of Baltimore Ravens’ first-time starter Jovaughn Gwyn
The starting center position has been a question mark for Baltimore all offseason. 2022 first-round pick and three-time Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum left in free agency after the Las Vegas Raiders offered him the biggest contract in NFL history for a center.
Linderbaum’s exit created a massive void on the Ravens’ offensive line, and Baltimore did not have an obvious backup to turn to. When preseason began, the contenders were former Colts center Danny Pinter, experienced veteran Ethan Pocic, and Gwyn.
Pinter suffered an unfortunate season-ending injury in August, while Pocic is still recovering and ramping up after a torn Achilles last season. That left the door open for Gwyn to start in Week 1.
Now that Gwyn has officially been named the starter, the Colts know exactly who to target on the Ravens’ offensive line. Gwyn has played just 11 total offensive snaps in three seasons. He has never proven that he can be a reliable starter at the NFL level and now will be thrust into his first career start on a team he just joined in March.
In stark contrast, Indianapolis will line up two savvy and intimidating veteran defensive tackles opposite Gwyn: DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. That duo will be in perfect position to exploit Gwyn’s inexperience and create havoc for Baltimore’s offense.
This battle between the interior linemen could be the x-factor for the entire game. If the Colts are able to dominate Gwyn, they have an opportunity to slow down the Ravens’ high-powered run game and put more pressure on Jackson. And while the rest of Baltimore’s offensive line is more solid, opening a hole in the middle of the line could throw everyone out of rhythm.
On the other hand, if Gwyn steps up and holds his own, the Indianapolis defense is going to be facing an uphill challenge. The Colts have a chance to earn a statement win to kick off the new season. Buckner and Stewart could play a big role in making that happen.
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