The Indianapolis Colts continue their homestand in Week 5 with an AFC South rivalry game against the Tennessee Titans.
The division is currently a very contested race. All four teams hold the same record entering this week and need a win to continue their push for the South’s best. The Colts, in particular, are looking to right the wrongs of several games past and break a five-game losing streak against Tennessee.
Buy Colts TicketsHere are the keys to victory for overcoming the prowess of the Titans:
Protect QB Anthony Richardson for 60 minutes
The Titans’ front seven can be the stuff of nightmares if the Colts let them. It has some incredible names like former Indy talent Denico Autry, All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons, outside linebacker Arden Key, and game-wrecker Harold Landry III.
Part of what has the Titans so successful against Indy during the last five matchups is their ability to create pressure, be disruptive, and get the quarterback to the ground. The Colts offensive line will have its hands full amid several injury-filled weeks, but they must keep Anthony Richardson upright and away from the pressure as much as possible. This will allow him to stay calm and get through his progressions, creating an offense that can neutralize a swarming defense.
Get creative with the running back production
The Titans’ defense is hard to get through. They are stout against the run and have been very stingy to Colts running backs in the past, including star Jonathan Taylor (who makes his return Sunday), who only has one rushing touchdown in his career versus the team.
Head coach Shane Steichen and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter must get creative with the playcalling to involve Taylor, Zack Moss, and Trey Sermon. Perhaps lining someone up in the slot or even running back screens could need to be on the menu. Whatever the play, Indy must be aggressive and heed Steichen’s motto: “Throw to score points, run to win.”
Exploit the Titans secondary through two levels of attack
In recent weeks, the Titans’ secondary has been gelling after not getting off to the start the team would like. They played exceptionally well against a Bengals receiving corps, holding the entire unit to 165 yards. They played sticky coverage and did not allow many yards after the catch.
The Colts need their corps to create separation so that Richardson can get the ball to them. This could be achieved by starting with underneath passes to players like Kylen Granson, Drew Ogletree, and Josh Downs to soften the defense. Those quick, short passes will allow some shots down the field to Michael Pittman Jr and Alec Pierce to get the Colts into the red zone. It’s a tough ask, but this group can get it done.
Weather Derrick Henry, contain DeAndre Hopkins and Chigoziem Okonkwo
Titans running back Derrick Henry is going to do the thing he does best: wear defenses down. He’s been successful against Indy with nearly 1,300 rushing yards and seven touchdowns dating back to 2016. The Titans are aware of this and have used him to slice through the Colts before turning to the air.
It’s reasonable to assume this matchup will likely follow suit. If the Colts want to be successful, they have to weather the storm that is “King Henry” and contain others who could do damage like receiver DeAndre Hopkins and tight end “Chig” Okonkwo. With such a young secondary, this is a huge task, but if they can limit both and keep them out of the red zone, that’s a recipe for success.
Be efficient and take the easy points
The Colts don’t have to play “hero ball” to beat Tennessee. Although ideal, they don’t have to score touchdowns on every drive that is inside the 20-yard line. For a young team that is still learning its identity, they don’t have to force themselves into “go big or go home” situations in an effort to get points on the board.
Enter Matt Gay. The Colts gave him the highest kicker contract ever for a free agent for a reason. He more than proved that against the Baltimore Ravens and has been a welcomed safety blanket when needed.
The best thing this offense can do is be efficient where possible. That includes kicking field goals to extend the lead. The Colts should still be aggressive because relying on kicking won’t win the game outright, but using this aspect to put more points on the board goes a long way if the team is smart about when to utilize Gay in a slow game where points will be at a premium.
