Titans eye breakthrough win by exploiting Colts’ shaky run defense in pivotal Week 3 clash
The Tennessee Titans are gearing up for a crucial Week 3 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, marking their first divisional battle of the season. While the Colts stand unbeaten at 2-0, the Titans find themselves in dire need of a victory after starting the season with two losses.
Understanding the Colts’ Early Success
The Indianapolis Colts have enjoyed a strong start, securing wins against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1 and the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Their unbeaten record has been bolstered by solid performances, yet, beneath the surface, there are vulnerabilities that the Titans can exploit to turn the tide in their favor.
Identifying the Colts’ Run Defense Weakness
One of the most glaring weaknesses of the Colts lies in their run defense. Despite allowing an average of just 98 rushing yards per game—ranking 12th in the NFL—they have been significantly more permissive in terms of yards per carry. The Colts are surrendering 5.4 yards per carry, placing them 29th in the league.
This discrepancy can be attributed, in part, to the limited rushing attempts faced by the Colts. Opponents are averaging only 18 carries per game against them, the lowest in the league. This statistic is heavily influenced by the Dolphins’ game strategy, as they fell behind early and only attempted 12 runs. In contrast, the Broncos did find some success, running 24 times for 118 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
Opportunities for the Titans’ Offense
The Titans, led by running back Tony Pollard, have a golden opportunity to capitalize on the Colts’ defensive shortcomings. If they can establish a robust ground game, they may disrupt the Colts’ rhythm and control the pace of the game. It will be crucial for the Titans’ offensive line to assert dominance early, creating lanes for Pollard to exploit.
With the stakes high and a chance to secure their first win of the season, the Titans must focus on executing their game plan effectively, particularly in the run game. As they prepare to face the Colts, leveraging these weaknesses could be the key to turning their season around.
