Colts Reassigned Defensive Play-Calling Duties
The team shifted the green-dot responsibility from safety Camryn Bynum to linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Football
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Following a 41-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Indianapolis Colts coaching staff has moved the green-dot defensive play-calling duties away from safety Camryn Bynum. Linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither will handle the responsibilities moving forward.
Why it matters
The decision follows a defensive performance where the Colts allowed over 500 yards of offense to the Ravens. Coaches determined that defensive communication was inadequate during the season opener.
The Baltimore offense averaged 8 yards per play against the Indianapolis defense in the Week 1 game. Camryn Bynum previously signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the team in 2025.
The players
Camryn Bynum
He is an NFL safety who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings and signed a major contract with Indianapolis in 2025.
Akeem Davis-Gaither
He is an NFL linebacker who has been designated as the new primary defensive communicator for the Colts.
Shane Steichen
He serves as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and manages personnel and strategic coaching decisions.
The details
Head coach Shane Steichen opted to transfer the green-dot communicator designation after Bynum served as the primary defensive caller during the opener. This change centralizes defensive adjustments with Davis-Gaither to address communication lapses.
Timeline
2023: Bynum led the Minnesota Vikings in tackles.
2025: Bynum signed a contract with the Colts.
September 14, 2026: The Colts played the Ravens.
September 15, 2026: Steichen confirmed the change in defensive play-calling.
Season Trajectory
This mid-season adjustment to the defensive play-calling signals a shift in the Colts' defensive strategy following the 2025 team framework. The decision directly impacts the team's defensive hierarchy and communication protocols for the remainder of the season.
Akeem Davis-Gaither now serves as the primary green-dot signal caller, shifting defensive adjustment duties away from the secondary. This personnel change alters the communication hierarchy during upcoming games, which may influence defensive alignment and coverage execution.
The takeaway
Effective defensive communication is critical for managing high-volume offenses like the one displayed by Baltimore. Teams often reassign play-calling duties early in the season to optimize coordination and reduce lapses in defensive coverage.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit Indianapolis Football.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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