Know Your Enemy: Colts Need Big Win vs. Titans
The Indianapolis Colts are riding high into Nashville after a crucial win at home against the Jaguars. Will Matt Ryan and the offense be able to run it back for round two of the Colts’ AFC South revenge tour?
Colts vs. Titans Offensive Comparisons
Quarterback
Matt Ryan’s 389-yard, four-touchdown performance last week should silence most of the “start Sam Elhinger” crowd, but perhaps that’s applying too much logic to an illogical situation. Nevertheless, Ryan showed that he still has a bit left in the tank, attempting 52 passes in the winning effort. Indy’s up-tempo, quick-strike offense from last week looks much better suited to the personnel around Ryan. We should expect him to improve upon Week Four’s goose egg.
In Week Four, Ryan Tannehill had his best game of the year against the Colts. He completed 81% of his passes and threw for two touchdowns. However, Tannehill only threw for 137 yards that week and has thrown for less than 200 yards in three of the team’s five games. Tannehill is dealing with some turnover in his wide receiver room, so we expect his numbers to improve throughout the season, but this week will be more of the same for Tannehill in the passing game.
Advantage: Colts
Running Backs
All signs point to Jonathan Taylor’s return in Week Seven. The Colts appear to have held him out last week as a precaution. This worked out incredibly well for the club as Deon Jackson established himself as a tough runner and an excellent receiver out of the backfield. If Nyheim Hines returns this week as well, we could see the Colts lean on their stable of backs a bit more than they’ve been able to for the past two weeks.
RUN IT. 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/IuWvFRFCuT — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 16, 2022
Derrick Henry is clearly one of the best power backs in recent memory, if not league history. A shocking statement, no doubt. It may come as a surprise to you, however, to learn that Henry is tied for third on the Titans in receptions and is fifth on the team in receiving yards. Henry has made it a point to become a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield.
While he won’t soon draw any comparisons to James White, Henry has made teams pay that refuse to cover him in the passing game. This has limited the impact of backup Dontrell Hilliard, who showed flashes of brilliance in fill-in rolls last year. The Colts will need to keep an eye on these two on third down.
Advantage: Titans
Wide Receivers
This group deserves its own dedicated article. Of course, Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman are the big heroes, and rightfully so. Let’s not overlook the impact of Parris Campbell, who created separation most of the game and caught seven passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. They lack depth, but this group is playing well and earned Ryan’s trust in key moments.
Ladies & gentlemen, @AlecPierce. 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/A9tN0XeiCv — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 16, 2022
Tennessee fans will tell you that they don’t miss AJ Brown, and they may offer that information unprompted. The reality of the situation is that this offense misses Brown dearly. Rookie Treylon Burks has tons of potential and is expected to be Brown’s replacement, but a toe injury has him on the short-term IR. Robert Woods has grown into his role and seems to have built a rapport with Tannehill. The bye week gave them even more time to get on the same page, so the Colts can’t lose sight of Woods on the play action.
Advantage: Colts
Tight Ends
The Colts are showing improvement with this talented group. Jelani Woods caught a touchdown pass last week. More importantly, for the long term, he was noticeably lined up out wide in the red zone and generally saw more snaps in those situations. At 6’7”, this is a no-brainer for the Colts. Kylen Granson continues to find soft spots in the coverage, and Mo Alie-Cox had two touchdowns the last time these teams played.
DIVISION DUB. ✅ pic.twitter.com/rQqWU2CpuR — Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 17, 2022
Tennessee has several options at tight end as well. Geoff Swaim leads the group in receptions, while Austin Hooper leads in receiving yards. However, Chigoziem Okonkwo hurt the Colts in their last matchup.
Advantage: Colts
Offensive Line
Indianapolis finally looked at Dennis Kelly’s Twitter account; boy, it paid off. We saw the Colts’ third starting lineup up front, and the mid-game switch to Kelly means we’ll likely see a fourth next week. The line looked better, but Matt Pryor is still a liability upfront. The Colts’ eventual game-winning pass was almost a game-ending sack. There is still a lot of work to be done, but at least there has been some improvement.
The Titans’ offensive line isn’t elite, but they average 102 yards per game on the ground. They have also allowed only 12 quarterback sacks compared to the 21 that the Colts’ have given up.
Advantage: Titans
Colts vs. Titans: Defensive Comparisons
Front Seven
DeForest Buckner is officially back. He’s had two solid performances since returning from injury. Grover Stewart has played well, and the Colts have gotten great play from linebackers EJ Speed and Zaire Franklin. The defensive front misses Kwitty Paye, but if Shaq Leonard is back this week, this group will give Tannehill a headache.
Tennessee’s front seven knows how to get after the quarterback. They’ll undoubtedly miss Bud Dupree, but Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, and Rashad Weaver have been terrorizing opposing offenses with 11.5 combined sacks between them.
Advantage: Titans (Unless Leonard Plays)
Defensive Backfield
Safeties Rodney Thomas II and Rodney McLeod combined for 12 tackles last week, with McLeod getting two tackles for loss. Stephon Gilmore could have a huge impact next week when matched up against Woods.
The Tennessee Titans are giving up the most passing yards per game in the NFL as of now. At 287.6 yards per game, these defensive backs could be in for a long day against a quarterback that almost threw for 400 yards last week.
Advantage: Colts
With only one divisional game left following this trip to Tennessee, this is very much a must-win for the Colts.
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