The Tennessee Titans (1-0) host the Indianapolis Colts (0-1) at Nissan Stadium on Sunday as both teams look to record a win on the second week of the season.
Ahead of the matchup, Colts Wire managing editor Kevin Hickey spoke with us on the Titans’ AFC South opponent. Be sure to follow Kevin and Colts Wire for analysis and news on Indianapolis this year.
Here’s a look at five things to look out for in Week 2.
1. Just how different is Jacoby Brissett from Andrew Luck, and how large is the talent gap?
Different but not as different as one might think. Luck was an elite talent at the position. It’s nearly impossible to replicate his production. Brissett can, at times, struggle with consistent ball placement. Though he was near perfect in Week 1 in that area—a testament to his development over the years. He has solid pocket mobility, eye discipline and a cannon for an arm. Brissett isn’t a flashy quarterback, but he’s intelligent in his pre-snap reads and has full authority at the line. He’s obviously a bit in experienced, but the Colts believe he’s a top-20 quarterback in the league, which is why they signed him to a two-year deal. The offense doesn’t take as big of a hit as many assumed it would.
2. Which under the radar Colts player should fans keep an eye on?
I’ll go with defensive tackle Margus Hunt. Working mostly from the one-technique, Hunt is a consistent producer on the interior of the line. He’s strong at the point of attack against the run and has shown the ability to rush the passer from that inside position. He was a huge reason the Colts didn’t allow a single 100-yard rusher in 2018 and if they find a way to stop Derrick Henry on Sunday, Hunt will have a major hand in it.
3. Which Colts player has his best day on Sunday?
I’m gonna go with the chalk play in T.Y. Hilton. The Titans defense is very good and one that features a trio of solid cornerbacks. But Hilton torched the Titans in 2018 en route to 11 receptions for 216 yards and two touchdowns while averaging 19.6 yards per reception. He doesn’t have Luck anymore, but he and Brissett have chemistry. I believe Hilton will have a solid day despite the strength of the Titans defense.
4. How will this be different from previous matchups between these two teams?
The easy answer is no Andrew Luck. The Colts are 11-2 against the Titans in their last 13 games, but all of those wins came with Luck under center. The two losses came with Brissett as the starter—albeit with a terrible roster. Both teams have deep rosters full of playmakers, so I would expect this to be a close game that comes down to the wire.
5. Final score and prediction.
This is a tough one because I expect it to be very close, but the Colts showed they can hang with playoff-caliber teams. I think they squeak out a win on the road, 27-24.
