Just a few weeks ago, the upcoming matchup between the Titans and Indianapolis Colts looked like it might be midseason medicority, a game pitting two teams slowly sinking toward the bottom of the AFC standings.
All of a sudden, it’s turned into a pivotal AFC South showdown, featuring a pair of teams that still have legitimate playoff aspirations.
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The Titans, who appeared to be in trouble following three consecutive losses, have righted the ship with a pair of upset victories — knocking off Dallas on the road and the reigning AFC champion Patriots here in Nashville.
The Colts, who’d lost four in a row, have jumped back into contention with three consecutive victories — thanks to an Andrew Luck-led offense that’s averaged 36 points during the winning streak.
At stake is second place in the AFC South, with the Titans looking to remain no worse than a game behind division leader Houston heading into next Monday’s contest against the Texans.
Here’s what’s on the mind of readers as the Titans ready for the Colts in Indianapolis:
While the Titans offense vs. the Colts defense has to favor the Titans, which side (and why) do you think will get the better of the Titans defense vs the Colts offense? — Joel S.
Good question, Joel. The Titans’ defense versus the Colts’ offense should be a great matchup. The Titans have been seriously stingy on defense through nine games. They lead the league in fewest points allowed per contest (16.8) and have held their last two opponents — Dallas and New England — under 15 points.
Meanwhile, Indy is rolling offensively, averaging almost 29 points per game. They’ve topped 30 points in three of their past four games.
If the Titans’ defense is to get the upper hand here, at least two things have to happen. First, they have to find a way to pressure Andrew Luck, who hasn’t been sacked in the past four games. The Titans got to Tom Brady three times last week, more than any team this season. That’s encouraging. Second, the Titans’ safeties have to win the battle against Colts tight end Eric Ebron. He’s hauled in nine touchdown passes in nine games, serving as a tremendous red-zone threat. I suspect Ebron will see plenty of Kevin Byard on Sunday, and the winner of that matchup could make all the difference.
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Is there any insight you can give on Mariota’s throwing arm injury he suffered against Miami to start the year? Do you believe it is still affecting him now as we’re past the halfway mark? — Jia Rong C.
Hi, Jia Rong. Through the Titans’ seventh game, Mariota was wearing a half-glove on his right hand, in order to improve his grip on the football. Numbness in the hand was the major issue he was dealing with following that opening-week injury. But coming out of the Titans’ bye week a couple of weeks ago, Mariota ditched the glove, saying he no longer needed it. Since then, Mariota has played his best two games of the season, throwing for a combined four touchdowns — and no interceptions — against the Cowboys and Patriots, while posting quarterback ratings over 119.0 in both contests. So it appears Mariota is fully healthy and effective right now.
To go with the question above: How is Andrew Luck’s throwing arm feeling? The past two wins have been hugely satisfying, but he’s been on a roll, and when he’s healthy, he’s feasted on the Titans. — Jesse P.
Thanks for the question, Jesse. Andrew Luck appears every bit as healthy as Mariota, which is surprising to many, considering Luck didn’t play a single game last season due to his bad shoulder. Luck actually looks better than ever at present, having thrown for 26 touchdowns (nine interceptions) in nine games this season. His quarterback rating (98.4) and completion rate (66.3) are on pace for career bests. And yes, you’re right Jesse, he has feasted on the Titans over the years. Luck has a 9-0 record against the Titans, with 15 touchdown passes, eight interceptions and a 92.4 quarterback rating in those contests. The Titans need to find some way to pressure Luck, who hasn’t been sacked in his past four games.
The Titans are rolling. Back to back big wins for the team. Arguably three weeks of good football, minus a couple big plays given up by Malcolm Butler. My question today is this: I’ve heard rumors that Delanie Walker may be able to play if we make the playoffs. Is there any truth to this and if so, do you think he’ll be able to get back up to speed quickly to help the team? — Albert G.
I spoke with Walker on Wednesday in the locker room, and I think it’s fair to say Walker is doing everything he can in his power to play football again this year, Albert. He hasn’t ruled out playing again this season, though he’s still in a walking boot and using canes at present. The recovery timetable for his severe ankle injury in Week One — which required surgery — would make a return seem unlikely. But as we know, Walker isn’t like most of us. He’s shown an incredible ability to bounce back quickly from lesser injuries over the years. The 13-year veteran is using a possible return this season as incentive during his re-hab. He may be overly optimistic, but you never know.
As of today what would you say are the Titans biggest offseason needs? — Matt C.
I’d say there are plenty of possibilities at this point, Matt. The team’s wide receivers have continued to progress in recent weeks, but I still think the Titans would like to bolster the talent level at this position.
Depending on whether or not the Titans choose to part ways with Derrick Henry after this season, the team may be in the market for another running back. My guess is the Titans will look to add help at interior line as well. Guard Quinton Spain’s contract is up at the end of this season.
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Which matchups do you feel like the Titans have to win to finally hand Andrew Luck his first loss to the Titans? — Hunter F.
Hi, Hunter. … Touched on this in a couple of other spots, but the first thing the Titans must do is make Luck uncomfortable in the pocket. Titans coach Mike Vrabel said Wednesday that Luck has only been hit nine times in his past four games, and he hasn’t been sacked a single time in those contests. Overall this season, Indy has allowed just 10 sacks, the second-fewest in the league. If Luck can stand back in the pocket forever, he’s going to be hard to stop. The second part of the equation is finding a way to stop tight end Eric Ebron, who’s on pace for a career season — and already has a career-high nine touchdowns. Much like Adoree Jackson was tasked with shutting down Josh Gordon last week, I suspect Kevin Byard will see plenty of Ebron on Sunday.
What do you think the future holds for Derrick Henry in this offense and on this team? — Jackson M.
Boy, that’s a tough question to answer, Jackson. Henry looked good in his last outing, running hard and scoring a pair of touchdowns. He seems to be especially effective in that “closer” role, when the Titans are leading and have the ability to hammer away at opponents with the run game. Mike Mularkey used Henry that same way. The problem is that the Titans don’t always have the lead late in the game, and I’m not sure Henry has the versatility to contribute in all other situations. He’s a huge guy, but isn’t necessarily the kind of back that overpowers defenders early in the game. He’s not bad as a pass-catcher, but he’s not nearly as good in that respect as other backs like (now retired) DeMarco Murray and Dion Lewis. If the Titans can’t find more use for him, I have to wonder if he winds up elsewhere next season — especially after the report by ESPN’s Chris Mortensen that Henry was available at the trade deadline this year.
Is it difficult to balance objectivity when writing about teams you follow so closely? Is it possible to be too objective or too critical? I read an article about the “Foxboro South blooming” on The Athletic, and I was shocked by how Patriot biased it came across. Maybe it is my own fandom, but I never get that vibe from your content. Interested to hear your perspective on how you toe the line. — Max M.
Max, I’ve always set objectivity very high on my priority list, so I’m glad you’ve found that to be the case in my content. In theory at least, there are some reasons it could be challenging to remain neutral.
The first is that we deal with these players and coaches on a daily basis, and assuming the relationships are good ones — which is usually the case — it’s natural to want them to succeed. The second is that there are plenty of fans who believe all hometown media should be on board with the team, helping it to succeed. That’s become more and more the case with the proliferation of team websites and with some bloggers, who make no bones about the fact they’re rooting for the home squad. So these days, when journalists stay impartial, it’s sometimes questioned by fans who want more of a booster-ish approach. My belief is that journalists must remain as fair and impartial as possible, a resource that allows readers/fans to make their own decisions based on the information we provide. Does that mean we never have an angle to a story? No. But hopefully we don’t have an “agenda” — whether that’s rooting for or against the team we cover.
(Top photo of Kenny Vaccaro: Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today)