The 3-2-1 Indianapolis Colts traveled to Nashville this week for the second game of the season against the 3-2 Tennessee Titans. The Colts came into the game leading the all-time series 35-21, but the Titans had won three weeks ago, 24-17. The Titans were just one-point favorites entering this matchup. 

Indianapolis played tight in this one, but ended up falling short 19-10. Both teams opened with a punt each, then the Titans gained some traction moving the ball and kicked a chip-shot field goal. After a few punts, the Colts got into scoring position, but an errant throw by Matt Ryan ended up in the arms of Tennessee’s Andrew Adams, who took it 76 yards to the house for a 10-0 lead. A subsequent interception gave the ball right back, and Randy Bullock kicked another short field goal to make the score 13-0 going into halftime. 

A few minutes into the second half, Indianapolis finally got on the board with a 12-play drive ending in a short Parris Campbell TD. The Titans responded with a field goal to keep it a two-score game after a quiet third quarter. The Colts got a golden opportunity with a Ryan Tannehill fumble near midfield, but only managed a 50-yard field goal, then the Titans nailed a long field goal of their own. Indianapolis was driving with under four minutes left, but a fumble from Michael Pittman, Jr. effectively sealed the game. 

Matt Ryan had a solid game, but with a few too many mistakes. He went 33-44 for 243 yards and a touchdown, but threw two picks in the first half (one returned for a touchdown) and both resulted in points for the Titans, and proved to be the difference in this game. Jonathan Taylor had yet another quiet game, toting the rock 10 times for 58 yards. Parris Campbell had a career game, catching 10 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. On the other sideline, Ryan Tannehill was quiet, throwing 13-20 for 132 yards. Derrick Henry had a vintage game with a heavy workload, rushing 30 times for 128 yards. 

Final: TEN 19-10 IND

Analysis

It was the same story for the Colts in week seven. Unacceptable play from the offensive line and just a few mistakes coupled with a lack of offensive production resulted in a loss, and a season sweep by the Titans. Not only is this style of play not sustainable, but more games like this will inevitably result in missing the playoffs once more as a team that clearly should have the talent to be competitive. 

Around the Division

The Colts lost out on their biggest chance at taking a commanding division lead, but the silver lining is that the Jaguars also lost their matchup with the Giants 23-17, making it their fourth consecutive loss. The Titans have opened up a significant lead over the division thus far at 4-2, with the Colts firmly in second at 3-3-1, and the Jaguars and Texans bringing up the rear. 

Looking Ahead

The Colts will hope to turn things around against the 3-4 Commanders next week, who are coming off of a win over the Packers. A game that was initially supposed to be a Carson Wentz reunion at Lucas Oil Stadium will now feature quarterback Taylor Heinicke, with Wentz still out recovering from a broken finger he suffered last week. The Colts desperately need to win these very winnable games to stay competitive in the division. The Colts are -5.5 point favorites to open the week.

Image: Indianapolis Colts - In-Game Photo Gallery