The Colts enter Week 5 riding high off a 23-point comeback, but they did still fall to 2-2. However, with such a gutsy performance by rookie Quarterback Anthony Richardson and the defense stepping up in key situations, Indy feels great heading into a divisional battle against the Tennessee Titoons. (Shoutout Dan Hanzus). The keys to beating their rival are simple but harder done than said.
Colts’ Defense – Kill the King (Henry) and his Court
Colts DE Odeyingbo (54) – Indianapolis Colts
In 4 games this year, Derrick Henry is averaging 3.9 yards per carry with 285 yards on the season. He is the man to shut down as quickly as possible. Expect Grover Stewart to play every single first and second down. He has been a force to reckon with in the run game this year and all of his ability will be on display this week.
Henry is not the only weapon on this Titans offense. Off-season addition Deandre Hopkins has 216 yards on 31 targets this year. Even with his lack of speed, D-Hop gets open nearly every play. With Dallis Flowers being out for the year with a torn Achilles, expect the Titans to test Darrel Baker Jr. and Jaylon Jones opposite rookie Juju BRents. Safeties Julian Blackmon and Rodney Thomas will play pivotal roles in communicating the coverage and audibles to the young corners. Last week, a breakdown in communication led to the Puka Nacua game-winning touchdown. If the secondary can play smart disciplined football, they are one step closer to an important divisional victory.
Helping the DBs will be the Colts’ formidable front 7. Buckner is unreal as usual, and Dayo Odeyingbo had a career game last week with six pressures, 1.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. If Kwity Paye is still in concussion protocol come Sunday, Dayo and Ebukam will be the top 2 to wreak havoc on the edge. That shouldn’t be too difficult, considering the weak Titans’ offensive line.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is the 30th-ranked passer in the league when under pressure, which bodes well for the Colts. He has also been sacked 16 times with four interceptions. Kenny Moore has picked off Tannehill twice in his career, and I predict he’ll get at least one more this week. Getting pressure with four rushers is expected for the talented Colts’ defensive line and will generate turnovers this week.
Colts’ Offense – AR + JT = TDs
Colts QB Anthony Richardson (5) – Indianapolis Colts
That’s right, a new force has been added to the Colts’ offensive attack and he is a nuclear bomb. Jonathan Taylor has returned to practice, and all of his comments point toward him trying to prove his worth on the NFL landscape. Anthony Richardson is glowing about his new weapon and says they have developed a bond off the field; if that carries onto the field, the NFL needs to get in their bunker because the Colts are about to explode.
However, it’s possible Taylor is on a pitch count in his first game. That’s alright because Zack Moss is still a force to be reckoned with. He has put up quality numbers and helped open up passing lanes for Anthony Richardson. That being said, the Titans’ defensive line is the opposite of their offensive line. They are powerful. Jeffery Simmons is a top-notch defensive player in the NFL.
The Colts were able to keep a lid on Aaron Donald last week, and they will need to do the same against Simmons. He’s a power rusher, while Donald is skillful, but the results are much the same. Early in the game, the Colts may find the run game hard to get going, but they will need to stick with it to keep the Titans honest. The Titans don’t play a complicated defense until 3rd down when they get creative in coverages and blitzes; staying ahead of the sticks on 1st and 2nd down will be essential to keeping out of complex looks against the rookie phenom.
The Colts will also have to find safety Kevin Byard on every snap. He’s been a wrecking ball against the Colts in the past and will certainly be ball-hawking downfield this week. However, the Colts’ tight ends will be able to neutralize the safeties leaving space for Josh Downs to be a match-up nightmare. Expect Downs to work as the strong side wideout and expose the corners play after play. He’s just too quick for them. Pittman will be able to body his way to 100 yards, and Pierce might get the deep shot he’s been waiting for.
The Colts are feeling pretty good about themselves atop the AFC South. This week they have the opportunity to cement themselves as a contender for the division title. More importantly, beating the Titans feels better than beating any other team.
