In real time, it didn't look like much went right for theIndianapolis Colts' in Sunday's Week 1 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Not surprisingly, the game film that Shane Steichen watched back afterward didn't offer much in the way of positives either.
"After having a chance to watch the tape, (I'm) extremely disappointed in all three phases," Steichen said on Monday, via The Athletic's James Boyd. "The way we came out and started the season, we got a lot to clean up moving forward. Obviously, we got Kansas City this week. Big week."
#Colts HC Shane Steichen: "After having a chance to watch the tape, (I'm) extremely disappointed in all three phases. The way we came out and started the season, we got a lot to clean up moving forward. Obviously, we got Kansas
City this week. Big week."
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 14, 2026
Defensively, the Colts had very little answers for the Ravens offense. Both on the ground and through the air, the Ravens were able to generate explosive plays, averaging over 8.0 yards per play -- a massive amount. For some context, last season, the LA Rams' offense led the NFL in this category, averaging 6.1 yards per play.
Lamar Jackson was efficient and also averaged a whopping 13.0 yards per play. Derrick Henry averaged nearly 6.0 yards per rush while running for 135 yards.
The Ravens finished the game with 506 total yards on offense. Even the return game was difficult for the Colts to stop, with Baltimore averaging 30.2 yards per kick return attempt.
Over on offense, the Colts' offensive line and Jonathan Taylor did find some success, but being down my multiple scores rather quickly negated Indianapolis' ability to lean on the run game.
Through the air, Daniel Jones averaged a very modest 5.4 yards per pass attempt. The offense also struggled on third downs, while Indianapolis lost the turnover battle as well.
"Communication, tackling, we gotta eliminate the explosive plays," Steichen said when asked where the Colts must improve. "Special teams penalties, we gotta clean those up. And then offensively, just moving the ball, staying consistent, especially in backed up situations."
Things #Colts HC Shane Steichen said the team must improve on:
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 14, 2026
"Communication, tackling, we gotta eliminate the explosive plays. Special teams penalties, we gotta clean those up. And then offensively, just moving the ball, staying consistent, especially in backed up situations."
After opening against the Ravens, there's little rest for the Colts, who face a difficult stretch of games ahead, which includes upcoming matchups with Kansas City and Houston, followed by a trip to London to face Washington.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Steichen reflects on Colts' play v. Ravens; 'disappointed' in performance
