The Indianapolis Colts are changing who wears their 'green dot' on defense.
The Indianapolis Colts decided that one week of defensive issues was enough to make a change in who carries the on-field playcalling duties, also known as the "green dot."
Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Wednesday that moving forward, MIKE linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither will wear the green dot rather than safety Cam Bynum, who held those duties last Sunday in the Colts' 41-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
"Yeah, we worked through that yesterday. We're going to have Aeem do that," Steichen said. "I think it's going to be better for everyone, just from a communication standpoint. It'll free up Cam on the back end as well, communicating with those guys. I've got a lot of respect for Cam. Cam knows the defense really well, but I think it's just going to be better from a communication standpoint for everybody moving forward.
"I just think the communication wasn't where it needed to be Week 1. So, I think, like I said, it frees up Cam on the back end to communicate with A.J. (Haulcy) and Sauce (Gardner) and Mooney (Charvarius Ward Sr.) and all those guys. And then obviously Akeem's in the middle right there with those guys with the defensive line communicating."
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither (51) walks up the field Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, during practice at Colts Camp at Grand Park in Westfield. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars/IndyStarLinebackers are almost always the position group that is assigned the green-dot, which gives them an in-helmet headset that allows the defensive coordinator to communicate with the designated player. The reason being is that linebackers are a centrally-located position in between the defensive line and secondary, that can communicate with the other 10 players quicker.
Last Sunday, Bynum played all 68 defensive snaps while Davis-Gaither played 64 (94%), so this change will essentially glue Davis-Gaither to the field.
In this new setup, Bynum will revert to his old role of communicating with the defensive backs before plays, which will be critical for rookie safety A.J. Haulcy. Last week, Haulcy appeared to be out of position on multiple occasions, so Bynum will now be able to help him more closely.
The Colts' 41 points surrendered are the most they've given up in a season opener at home since 1954, and Baltimore's 506 yards of offense were the most the Colts have given up since Week 8 of 2023.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson had over 300 yards passing, with a yards-per-attempt of 12.9. Wide receiver Zay Flowers put up a career-high 150 yards and a touchdown on just five catches in the first half. Led by running back Derrick Henry's 144 yards and three touchdowns, Baltimore had 202 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
Next, the Colts play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
