A family dinner that could get awkward
On Sunday, the Doyles probably won’t be answering their phones.
Declan Doyle wears the headset as the Ravens offensive coordinator and will call Baltimore’s plays in the opener in Indianapolis. On the other side, his younger brother Dillon is the Colts defensive quality control coach. In other words, he’s the one spending his days buried in tape, trying to figure out what his big brother will do next.
“He’s the one breaking down the film and all that, so I haven’t spoken to him in a while,” Declan Doyle said about the reunion at Lucas Oil Stadium. “I love my brother, but that’s how it is.”
Indianapolis has bigger problems than sibling awkwardness. Lamar Jackson is one of them.
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Jackson is already talking
The Ravens quarterback has spent the past few days working through pieces of Declan Doyle’s game plan. Asked what awaits the opposing defense, he couldn’t hide the grin.
“I don’t think any defense is ready for what’s coming,” Jackson said.
The setting suits him. Baltimore has a new face at the top after the 2025 season: John Harbaugh was shown the door after a gutting loss in Pittsburgh. Jesse Minter, a former franchise assistant and Jim Harbaugh’s defensive coordinator with the Chargers, is back in charge. His defensive system is familiar. Doyle’s offensive plan, far less so.
One rookie worth watching for the Ravens is receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, who has had a strong summer and could carve out a real role. Zay Flowers (hamstring) was limited in practice on Wednesday, while Devontez Walker is dealing with a groin issue.
Anarumo knows Jackson, and that’s no help
Indianapolis defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, now in his second season in the job, spent years running Cincinnati’s defense. His record against Lamar Jackson? One win, nine losses.
The good news for the Colts is on the other side of the ball. Last season, with the Chargers, Minter’s defense tore through Indianapolis in a 38-24 win, with Jonathan Taylor scoring three rushing touchdowns, Daniel Jones throwing for 288 yards and two scores, and Alec Pierce catching five balls for 98 yards.
“Everybody we play tries to shut Taylor down,” coach Shane Steichen said. “We go through that process every week to create run and pass plays for him.”
Pierce steps into the No. 1 receiver role after Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Steelers. He was slowed by foot and heel problems in the offseason and is still on the injury report heading into Week 1. Steichen is banking on last year’s timing carrying over. First, though, his top wideout has to make it through four quarters.
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