Roquan Smith leads Baltimore defense against Indianapolis in season opener

The Baltimore Ravens begin their 2026 NFL season Sunday with a defensive matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Baltimore linebacker Roquan Smith identifies stopping Colts running back Jonathan Taylor as a primary objective for the unit. Taylor finished the 2025 season with 1,585 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, along with 46 catches for 378 yards and two additional scores. Smith, who recorded 130 tackles last season, will work alongside interior defensive linemen Broderick Washington and Travis Jones to limit Taylor’s production. The defensive scheme, directed by Jesse Minter, aims to prevent explosive runs and force the Colts into passing situations involving quarterback Daniel Jones. Baltimore defensive players seek to maintain gap discipline throughout the game to neutralize the versatile Indianapolis offense.

• 9:51 AMYahoo Sports — Roquan Smith embraces the Week 1 challenge of stopping Jonathan Taylor