Titans: Final notes and thoughts ahead of kickoff against the Colts
It's a game that is always circled on the calendars of every Titans and Colts fan. The rivalry between Tennessee and Indianapolis has been well documented over the last couple of decades and tonight in primetime, the two sides will fight for top spot in the division once again.
The stakes are high for the Titans who enter this contest a game in front of Indy and with a win, could boost their record to 7-2 and 3-0 in the division. Here are some last minute thoughts and notes heading into this huge game.
News/Notes
Titans
- The Titans excited fans by activating CB Adoree Jackson to the 53-man roster, but the defensive back will miss the ninth game of the season as he continues to rehab from a mysterious knee injury. To make room for Adoree, DB Dane Cruikshank was placed on injured-reserve for the second time this season, meaning he is not eligible to return to the active roster.
- Adam Humphries, who suffered a concussion on a dirty hit and missed call against the Bengals, will miss his second consecutive game.
- The good news in the injury department is that both Jadeveon Clowney and Roger Saffold participated in Wednesday's practice and will play tonight. Clowney missed the game against the Bears with a knee injury and Saffold left the game early with a shoulder problem.
- Wide receiver Corey Davis' brother, Travis, passed away on Wednesday and the wideout's status for this game is unknown. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Colts
- QB Philip Rivers is going to be missing two key pieces on offense. Two tight ends - Jack Doyle (concussion) and Mo Alie-Cox (knee) - will miss the game. That leaves only Trey Burton to play TE. He leads all tight ends on the roster in yards.
- Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton was listed as questionable all week, however, he has been cleared to play after dealing with a groin injury.
- LB Matthew Adams will miss tonight's game after being placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Defensive end Cassius Marsh was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad earlier today.
Final Thoughts
The Titans have been incredibly unpredictable in the beginning of games this season and were last year as well. Watching back the highlights from the game against the Colts in December, though the Titans eventually won the game 31-17 in Lucas Oil, they had two early turnovers (a fumble by Henry and one by Tannehill) that lead to points.
They were bailed out solely by Adam Vinatieri's poor kicking. He missed one field goal, had one blocked from close range, and another blocked that Ty Smith scooped up and returned for a touchdown.
So, the difference in this game will be the Titans' offense against the Colts' defense and the winner might be decided by who is better on special teams.
As I mentioned in my three keys to victory, the Colts' defense ranks top 3 in the league in terms of points and run defense. The Titans offense has struggled over the last three weeks against solid competition, so, a game where they get back to their scoring ways against a division opponent could not be more timely.
Feed Derrick, control the clock, and please, please, please, protect Ryan Tannehill! TITAN UP!
