Following their overtime loss in Week 1, the Indianapolis Colts (1-1) spent this entire week having to answer questions of “what if.” To some, the Colts could have easily won that game; to others, they rightfully lost. But none of that mattered as the AFC South competitor played in their first divisional game of the season against the Tennessee Titans (1-1) on Sunday.
It was competitive — at times ugly — yet in the end, the Colts defeated the Titans 19-17. Ranging from them being able to re-establish their successful running game to the defense slightly improving its performance, the Colts did just enough to emerge as winners.
Here are five takeaways from the Colts’ first win in 2019:
Oh, the Colts can actually run the ball
I questioned this entire week whether the Colts could carry over their huge running success from Week 1. Running back Marlon Mack rushed for an astonishing 174 yards against the Los Angeles Chargers, and the offensive line dominated. But would that remain against a Titans defense, who routinely produces a talented and tough front seven?
The answer Sunday was a loud yes. Despite Mack rushing for only 51 yards, the Colts still produced 167 yards as a team. Back up Jordan Wilkins broke out a huge 55-yard run in the fourth quarter, and quarterback Jacoby Brissett had seven rushes for 25 yards.
Head coach Frank Reich has constantly expressed a serious commitment to running the ball, and the first two weeks have been great examples of that.
A new week means similar results for Vinatieri
After enduring a new low with his kicking struggles in Week 1, kicker Adam Vinatieri went through this week more determined than ever to bounce back. Vinatieri’s three total misses (two field goals and one extra point) was often used as the main reason why the Colts lost to the Chargers and caused brief speculation about his future.
Even though the greatest kicker of all time did make the extra point during the Colts’ first touchdown drive on Sunday, things would soon go downhill. Quickly. Vinatieri’s two misses were on extra points and partially hung a cloud over the Colts as they led, trailed, and then led again over the Titans.
In his last five games, the future Hall of Famer has missed six kicks from 46 yards or closer, with four of them being extra-point attempts.
Mariota was under constant duress
When facing any NFL team, you often have to decide who will beat you and who won’t. This week, the Colts faced a Titans offense that is normally at its best when running back Derrick Henry is leading the way, controlling the clock and creating favorable down-and-distances. This is a game plan that really benefits quarterback Marcus Mariota.
So with that in mind, the Colts defense did it all could to limit Henry and make Mariota beat them, and that worked out very well on Sunday. Not only did Mariota just throw for 154 passing yards and one touchdown, but his mobility was contained, which meant he was subject to the Colts’ relentless pass rush while in the pocket.
Defensive lineman Denico Autry continued his strong start to the season by sacking Mariota. As a team, the Colts produced four sacks.
Henry didn’t break out on Sunday
As I said in my previous Colts Wire piece, which detailed the three biggest matchups in Sunday’s game, Derrick Henry was really on a hot streak and had what it takes to break the Colts defense. He possesses great size and breakaway speed, which make him a nightmare to defend.
But all credit has to be given to the Colts for limiting Henry’s impact. While Henry still finished with 81 rushing yards, the Colts had previously stopped him and his running mates enough times that the Titans chose to rely on their passing attack instead. And with Mariota passing the ball 28 times, Henry only received 15 rushing attempts, which in itself is a byproduct of good defense and unfavorable playcalling.
This wasn’t an ‘F’ game by Leonard at all
Out of all the storylines entering Sunday’s game, a noticeable one was the very honest summary linebacker Darius Leonard gave of the Week 1 performance. According to the second year All-Pro, not only did he played terribly against the Chargers, but his criticism was harsher than most.
But when the defense meets up to study their Week 2 performance, Leonard won’t be getting an “F” this time around. Besides improving his production (10 tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss), the South Carolina State product played a more fundamentally sound game and appeared more focused.
Leonard is the kind of stellar talent who can easily produce good stats. Yet for him and the Colts to reach another level, there always has to be a great focus on the little details.
