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First year starter on offense is Colts' X-factor in 2026
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- First year starter on offense is Colts' X-factor in 2026
Who will be the biggest X-factor on the Indianapolis Colts' offense this season?
We know that in order for the Colts to win games, their top players, like Daniel Jones , Jonathan Taylor , and Alec Pierce , have to consistently play at high levels.
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But the X-factor, who may not be at the same level as the players mentioned, can still have a major impact on the outcome, depending on how they play.
Indianapolis Colts ' X-factor on offense for 2026 season
While it's the quarterback and skill position players that often garner the most attention, success for every offense begins up front with the offensive line play. Moving the ball consistently requires a run game to lean on and time in the pocket for the passer.
The Colts will have a new starter at right tackle this season, with Jalen Travis taking over for Braden Smith , who signed with Houston in free agency.
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Travis made some starts down the stretch last season with Smith injured and showed that he could hold his own. He allowed one sack and 12 pressures over 175 pass-blocking snaps. He also graded out well as a run-blocker by PFF's metrics.
Offensive line play is very much the sum of its parts are greater than any individual player. So, although the Colts have a very stout left side of the offensive line, if Travis struggles, the overall play of this unit will suffer.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: First year starter on offense is Colts' X-factor in 2026
