The Baltimore Ravens will encounter one of the NFL’s most productive running backs in their season opener, and Roquan Smith is embracing the assignment. Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylorwill provide an immediate test for Baltimore’s revamped defense Sunday. Smith, the unit's leader and primary communicator, would not want it any other way.
“You love the challenge of going against great running backs,” Smith said, via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
Taylor enters the season after rushing for 1,585 yards and an NFL-high 18 touchdowns on 323 carries in 2025. He also caught 46 passes for 378 yards and two touchdowns, giving Indianapolis a versatile offensive centerpiece capable of affecting the game in several ways.
Roquan Smith on facing Jonathan Taylor:
“You love the challenge of going against great running backs.” pic.twitter.com/34S7361mE3
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 8, 2026
His combination of patience, power, and breakaway speed will test every level of Baltimore’s defense. Taylor can create yards after contact between the tackles, but he also has the speed to turn one missed assignment into an explosive touchdown.
That places additional responsibility on Smith.
The four-time Pro Bowl selection recorded 130 tackles last season and remains the emotional leader of Baltimore’s defense. His ability to diagnose rushing concepts, avoid blockers, and finish tackles will be essential against a Colts offense expected to feature Taylor prominently. Baltimore’s defensive line must prevent Indianapolis’ blockers from consistently reaching the second level. Broderick Washington, Travis Jones, and the rest of the interior rotation will be responsible for controlling gaps and allowing Smith to pursue the football without navigating additional traffic.
The Ravens must also remain disciplined when defending Daniel Jones. Committing too many defenders to Taylor could give Indianapolis opportunities to run play-action and attack downfield. Baltimore does not necessarily have to eliminate Taylor from the game. The objective will be to prevent explosive runs, force the Colts into obvious passing situations, and make every yard difficult to earn.
Smith has built his reputation by embracing physical matchups in the middle of the field. Slowing Taylor would provide an ideal start to his first season in Jesse Minter’s defense.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Roquan Smith embraces the Week 1 challenge of stopping Jonathan Taylor
