3 Colts' storylines to watch in Week 1 v. Ravens

As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for their Week 1 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, there are several key storylines to keep an eye on. First and foremost, quarterback Daniel Jones is set to make his season debut after recovering from an Achilles injury. Jones has been in full practice mode since the start of camp and has been performing well in recent joint practices.

However, his first start will mark his return to game action since last season's injury. The Colts' offense struggled once Jones began dealing with a fibula injury last season, and it remains to be seen if defenses have fully figured out how to stop the Indianapolis offense.

Another critical aspect of the Colts' defense against the Ravens will be their pass rush. If the Colts opt for a more conservative approach, it could leave the Ravens' Lamar Jackson with a cleaner pocket to operate in, increasing his chances of throwing for big gains. Conversely, an aggressive pass rush strategy could open up running lanes for Jackson to exploit.

Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will need to find the right balance between these two approaches, while also determining if the Colts have enough pass rush pressure from Laiatu Latu to create consistent disruptions.

Additionally, the Colts face a challenging stretch of games in the early part of the season. They open against Baltimore and Kansas City, both featuring elite quarterbacks in Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. Later on, they will host the Houston Texans, known for their disruptive defense led by CJ Stroud and Nico Collins. The Colts will also travel abroad to face the Washington Commanders, followed by a road trip to Pittsburgh.

With three of the first five games being away, the challenge of getting off to a strong start under new GM Chris Ballard will be amplified for the Colts.