1. Can the Titans Defeat the Colts?
Simple sentiment. A simple goal, really. Not so simple when you consider how badly the Colts have dominated the Titans in recent history.
Minus the 2017 season, the Titans have won just four games against the Colts since 2002. It’s been nearly an automatic two losses each season. During that time span, the Titans are an astounding 6-26. Andrew Luck was a large part of this struggle for the Titans, going 11-0 against them, in his career.
Turning it around against their divisional rival could go a long way for the Titans who are hoping to finally turn the corner and make a serious playoff run.
2. Can Mariota be Mistake Free Again?
Marcus Mariota missed the final game last season which was against the Colts due to an injury sustained the week before against the Redskins. He will be eager to get back on the field and attempt to replicate the 2017 season of success against the Colts.
Last Sunday’s performance was nothing to write home about. But it was enough to get the job done and it was enough to get the win. Most importantly, Mariota had zero turnovers.
The Browns were expected to be a formidable defense this season. Forgetting about the 50% completion percentage, Mariota engineered an effective offense that scored over 40 points. His staying consistency will go a long way this Sunday.
3. A.J. Brown
A.J. Brown will be one to watch for. And if week 1 proves anything, he’ll be one to watch long after week 2. The rookie out of Ole Miss hit the 100 yard receiving mark for the first time since 1964 in Titans history. He also led all receivers last Sunday in total yardage.
“I always felt like I could make an impact early,” said Brown, a second-round draft pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. “Whenever I am out there, I just try to be the best player out there.
“Now I just have to keep making plays and keep playing physical – that’s what we get paid to do. (OC) Arthur Smith put a good game plan in on Sunday to move the ball around and I just did my best to play hard and to play fast. But I know I can’t let up.”
His size and strength make him a tough assignment for opposing defenders. He is also excellent in the open field and tough to bring down. The Titans hope to see this trend continue as Brown helps make them a legitimate passing threat.
4. Will the Colts Stop Henry?
Derrick Henry basically had his way with the Browns. His 84 rushing yards on 19 carries as well as one touchdown helped to establish the run game. He also caught one pass for a 75-yard touchdown – a screen to the left side that was a foot race to the endzone. It was the longest touchdown catch of his professional career.
The Colts will have their hands full trying to contain Henry. They have managed to keep Henry under 100 yards in all but one of their matchups. His backup Dion Lewis is a very capable back as well, though he didn’t find much success against the Browns.
5. Defensive Success Will Yield a Win
The offense is good enough to score on this Colts defense. The combination of Mariota and Henry mixed with legitimate targets in Brown and Delanie Walker gives the offense plenty of threats.
The defense will need to continue its successful ways against a weakened Colts team. The Colts may have lost week 1 but it was on the road and a very close miss. Brissett played an excellent game. T.Y. Hilton proved a difficult task for the secondary regardless of who he was catching passes from.
The ground game was a nightmare for the Chargers. Third-year running back Marlon Mack had his way with that defense on his way to a ridiculous 174 yards and a touchdown. If the Titans want to secure a win it’ll start on the defensive side of the ball and shutting down Hilton and Mack.
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