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Main Photo: Kirby Lee USA Today Sports

How the Indianapolis Colts Can Topple Their Division Rival

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Mike Roberts | Last updated 10/7/23

In Week 5, the Indianapolis Colts (2-2) will play at home against the AFC South rival Tennessee Titans (2-2). This is the first meeting between the two clubs this season and the result could very well determine who leads the division heading into Week 6.

The biggest storyline, of course, surrounding the Colts is the potential return of Jonathan Taylor. The star running back, who missed the first four games of the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List, could make his season debut Sunday against the Titans. Tennessee has won its last five matchups with the Colts. What will it take for Indianapolis to end its losing streak against the guys from Nashville this week?

3 Keys for a Colts Victory vs Titans

Stop Derrick Henry

Titans running back Derrick Henry didn’t have a great start to the season, recording just 163 rushing yards through the first three games. However, Henry came to life during Tennessee’s Week 4 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He had 22 carries for 122 yards and a rushing touchdown. He also threw his fourth-career touchdown pass as he found tight end Josh Whyle in the end zone.

The Colts’ main goal will be shutting down Henry. He’s one of the league’s best running backs and they can’t afford to let him run through their defense.

Derrick Henry with a Touchdown pic.twitter.com/UuSxNkhIHz

— Alabama DieHards (@DiehardsAlabama) October 1, 2023

Shred the Titans’ Pass Defense

The Titans possess a weak defensive secondary, ranking 23rd in pass defense. With that said, Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson could very well muster up a big-time passing performance.

In last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Richardson led Indianapolis back from a 23-0 deficit and scored 23 unanswered points during the third and fourth quarters. The Colts still lost 29-23 in overtime, though. Richardson threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams. He also rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown.

If Richardson’s pass-catching corps, including Michael Pittman Jr, Josh Downs, and Kylen Granson, are at their best, the Colts will have a great chance to win. It’s imperative that the team takes advantage of Tennessee’s not-so-dangerous secondary.

Colts’ Secondary Needs to Step Up Against Titans Receivers

The Titans aren’t the only team in this matchup who have a weak secondary. Indianapolis is even worse, ranking 28th in pass defense.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford carved up the Colts for 319 passing yards. Rookie receiver Puka Nacua did some damage as well, producing nine receptions for 163 yards and scoring the game-winning touchdown during overtime. The Colts’ secondary lost Stephon Gilmore, Brandon Facyson, and Isaiah Rodgers during the offseason. Now, starter Dallis Flowers is out for the season after suffering an Achilles injury against the Rams.

Second-round pick Julius Brents is set to become an every-down starter. At the No. 3 cornerback spot, the team will likely rotate rookie Jaylon Jones and second-year undrafted free agent Darrell Baker Jr. The Colts secondary, which also includes Kenny Moore II, Julian Blackmon, and Rodney Thomas II, must step up against the Titans on Sunday. Ryan Tannehill isn’t an elite quarterback by any stretch, but he could make the Colts pay if their pass defense struggles mightily.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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