Indianapolis Colts Controls the Clock in Big Win over Titans
After a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Indianapolis Colts took on their division rival, the Tennessee Titans, in a matchup on Thursday Night Football. The Titans, coming off a win over the Bears, were leading the division coming into the night, but were not able to slow down the Colts, losing 34-17 in a dominating performance by Indianapolis. Let us break the game down and see how they came out victorious.
Colts Play Efficient Offense
The Colts are one of the sounder teams on both sides of the ball, and tonight the offense was as sound as you can be. Indianapolis totaled 308 yards in the air and 133 yards on the ground, possessing the ball for 31:18. They also picked up three huge fourth downs that led to points on the scoreboard.
Statistically, QB Philip Rivers played winning football, posting a line of 29/39, 308 yards, and one touchdown to RB Nyheim Hines. Speaking of Hines, the usual scatback paced the rushing attack, carrying the ball 12 times for 70 yards, finding the endzone once, while also catching five passes for 45 yards and adding a receiving touchdown as mentioned before. WR Michael Pittman Jr. had a career day reeling in seven catches for 101 yards. He also added a 21-yard rush for a total of 122 yards on the day, a career-high. Eight different players caught passes for the Colts, keeping the offense balanced and in rhythm.
Defense and Special Teams Wins Games
While it is not the most glamorous part of football, defense and special teams win games all the time and were able to win this game for the Colts. Defensively, Indianapolis gave up just 294 yards and did a good job of getting off the field, holding the Titans to 3-10 on third down and 0-1 on fourth down. LB Darius Leonard had nine total tackles and DT Denico Autry recorded a sack in the victory.
Out of all three phases, the special teams won the game for the Colts and lost it for the Titans. K Rodrigo Blankenship went 2/2 on FG and 4/4 on XP, compared to Titans K Stephen Gostkowski who went 1/2 on FG and 2/2 on XP. In the punting game, Titans P Trevor Daniel shanked a punt in the third quarter, leading to a touchdown. On another punt, Daniel was blocked and was picked up and taken to the endzone by TJ Carrie. The missed field goal also led to a touchdown for the Colts, who took advantage of the Titans mistake all night.
Corey Davis
While losing the game, Titans WR Corey Davis deserves a ton of credit for producing in this game, let alone playing in it. Earlier in the week, Davis’ brother Titus passed away from a rare cancer called renal medullary carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer at only 27 years old. Playing with a heavy heart, Davis did what he could in the losing effort, leading the air attack with five catches for 67 yards. On the season, the former first-round pick now has 34 catches for 436 yards in six games this season and will look to continue his success in 2020.
Looking Ahead
With both teams now off for ten days, they will be able to get rest and get healthy for Week 11. For the Titans, they will look to rebound and improve to 7-3 against a tough AFC opponent, the Baltimore Ravens (6-2), on the road. As for the Colts, they will look to extend their lead in the division when they host the Green Bay Packers (6-2) in Week 11.
Stats and info from profootballreference.com
Info on Titus Davis from cbssports.com
Writer
-By: Richie Dordas