Colts, Broncos set to battle for 2-0 season start

The Denver Broncos owners are building a home for the future while their team is focusing on the present.

Denver's ownership group announced plans for a new stadium that will be ready in 2031, but the timeline for winning is now. The Broncos (1-0) have ambitious goals for 2025 and began the season with a home win over Tennessee in Week 1. They now turn their attention to their game at the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon.

Indianapolis (1-0) surprised many with a dominant defensive showing against Miami in its season debut, but there are concerns with the secondary going into the matchup with Denver.

The Colts' top cornerback, Charvarius Ward entered the concussion protocol on Wednesday and has been declared out for Sunday. Additionally, head coach Shane Steichen revealed that backup corner Jaylon Jones, who started last season, will miss significant time due to a hamstring injury.

Since Ward cannot go Sunday, it should mean more snaps for Mekhi Blackmon and undrafted free agent Johnathan Edwards.

Indianapolis' defense looked strong under new coordinator Lou Anarumo, forcing three Dolphins turnovers, including an interception by defensive end Laiatu Latu in the third quarter.

"This is definitely what he was talking about," Latu said after his first career interception. "You got (defensive backs) getting strip sacks and us (defensive linemen) getting picks, so it's gonna be like that all year long."

The Colts' offense played well behind quarterback Daniel Jones, who was signed in the offseason. Jones threw for one touchdown and ran for two others while taking care of the ball.

"A good start. Some things to clean up and work on, but I think everyone on our team is mature enough, knows enough that we've got to continue to grow and improve," Jones said of the win.

Jones will face a tough Denver defense led by cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the reigning NFL defensive player of the year. The Broncos forced two turnovers, sacked rookie quarterback Cam Ward six times and limited the Titans to 133 total yards and only seven first downs.

Denver achieved those things despite not having starting linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quad) and defensive lineman Malcolm Roach (calf) active. Roach is on short-term IR, while offseason signing Greenlaw was ruled out for the second straight game.

Tight end Evan Engram (calf) left Sunday's game in the third quarter and went into the blue medical tent. He returned and played one more snap before sitting out the rest of the win. He was listed as limited during Wednesday's practice but was a full participant Thursday and Friday and is cleared to play.

Fellow tight end Nate Adkins (ankle) was ruled out for the Broncos.

Additionally for the Colts, Latu (hamstring) and running back Tyler Goodson (elbow) are considered questionable.

Quarterback Bo Nix values a strong defense as he becomes more comfortable with Payton's offense. Nix threw two interceptions but connected with wide receiver Courtland Sutton on a 22-yard touchdown pass before halftime and worked with a lead for much of the game thanks to the defense.

"It's the best feeling when you have a great defense. Just over and over, they kind of got us out of a jam and continued to do that throughout the game," Nix said.

--Field Level Media