After a 43-13 victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Tennessee Titans (1-0) return home to take on the Indianapolis Colts (0-1).
The Titans will face Jacoby Brissett at quarterback instead of Andrew Luck this time. The Titans never defeated the Colts with Luck at the helm, but are are 2-0 against Brissett.
This is an entirely different Colts team than when Luck was out all of 2017. They boast one of the better offensive lines in the NFL and a young, rising defense.
The Titans have this game circled as a special one.
Before the game, there will be a ceremony to retire the jerseys of Eddie George and Steve McNair, which should draw a large crowd.
Here are four defensive keys for the Titans to get the victory.
Shut down the run game.
Colts running back Marlon Mack currently leads the league in rushing, and will be difficult to contain. He also runs behind one of the league’s stronger offensive line.
The Titans’ defensive lineman and linebackers will need to hold their ground and fill their assigned gaps on every play.
Tackling, which the Titans struggled with at some points ahead of the season, will need to be clean as well.
Shut Down T.Y. Hilton
The Titans have a great secondary. In fact, Jon Robinson says it’s one of the groups he’s most proud of. But wide receiver T.Y. Hilton seems to be a thorn in the Titans’ side every year.
He seems to already have great chemistry with Brissett, and caught two touchdown passes last week.
In the past, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson seemed to be the man always matched up against him. It’s obvious Jackson needs help, though.
The Titans will need to double team him with a safety or a linebacker,in addition to the cornerback. The Colts also have solid tight ends, but they don’t offer the break away threat after the catch Hilton does.
A safety or linebacker should match up pretty well against them.
Keep them guessing.
The Titans defense will show Brissett a lot of different looks, just as they did Baker Mayfield last week.
They will offer several different blitz combinations, sending both safeties and cornerbacks in after the quarterback.
4. Noise
The Titans have the home field advantage in this one, and will have a passionate crowd as they attempt to make their first 2-0 start in years. Expect Nissan Stadium to be loud.
