With the Indianapolis Colts about to embark on the 2026 NFL season, what is the biggest concern surrounding this year's team?
ESPN's Stephen Holder, who covers the Colts, recently answered that question. His pick is centered around the pass rush -- an area that has been in question all offseason. Now entering Week 1, real questions still remain.
"The Colts parted ways with three of their top edge rushers after last season and are now trying to create pressure with a questionable rotation of defensive ends," wrote Holder. "Laiatu Latu, a first-round pick in 2024, is on track continue his ascension, but questions persist for the remaining group."
Laiatu Latu gives this room some juice and high-level production potential, but defensive end is a heavily
rotated unit with four or even five players seeing regular snaps on a weekly basis, and as Holder laid out, that is where the unknowns are.
Key has had steady production in his career, but he hasn't hit high-end pressure totals. A player who may be best suited for a rotational role will instead be tasked with starting.
The Colts are banking on Jaylahn Tuimoloau making a Year 2 leap, but it was a very quiet preseason for him. Clemons brings some added versatility to the defensive front, but has had up-and-down production in his career.
Outside of Latu, and with DeForest Buckner sidelined for a large portion of the year at defensive tackle, the Colts struggled to win their one-on-one pass rush matchups, ranking 30th in ESPN's pass rush win rate metric.
Perhaps what should be a very good secondary can help the pass rush out by providing additional time to get home.
That said, the name of the game for every defense is pressuring the quarterback, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Colts have the depth to do that consistently enough.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts reporter highlights potential concern for 2026 NFL season
