The Tennessee Titans and the Indianapolis Colts head into their first divisional matchup of the 2019 season as they face each other in Nissan Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams feature strong defenses coming off of good performances in Week 1, while the Titans have the edge on offense.
As it so often comes down to, quarterback play will be a major factor in the outcome of this contest.
Here’s a look at how the Colts’ Jacoby Brissett and the Titans’ Marcus Mariota stack up.
Jacoby Brissett
First Impression: Brissett was left with a large void to fill as soon as Andrew Luck announced his retirement ahead of the season. It will take time for Brissett to reach the level of a player like Luck, but he’s made strides since 2017.
He looks calmer in the pocket, is able to maintain focus and follow through when under pressure. He shine in last week’s loss, showing improved anticipation and arm strength when he had the opportunity.
Last showing: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, L 30-24
Brissett was 21-of-27 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns.
QBR: 65.9
Bottom line for Sunday: Brissett was 0-2 against the Titans in 2017, and has yet to throw for more than two touchdowns in a game over 18 career starts. The Titans offense under Arthur Smith is bound to put up more passing touchdowns than that, and Brissett will be up against a formidable defense that put up five sacks and three interceptions last weekend. He’s got his work cut out for him, and must take care of the football while staying aggressive in this matchup.
Marcus Mariota
First Impression: There’s a lot of doubt surrounding Mariota as he heads into the fifth and final year of his rookie deal — largely because of an extensive injury history. Mariota had a solid showing overall in last week’s win, though, and the mobile quarterback should have no problem securing an extension if he keeps it up.
It also helps Mariota and the offense as a whole that the team is incorporating more plays down the field to allow the Titans to be more aggressive on offense and move the chains faster.
Last showing: vs. Cleveland Browns, W 43-13
Mariota was 14-of-24 passes for 248 yards and three touchdowns.
QBR: 55.6
Bottom line for Sunday: The Colts defense has given Mariota and his supporting cast some problems in the past, and it won’t be any easier facing the unit on Sunday. The front seven will make it difficult to get the ground game going, and Mariota will need to have a quick release against a talented group of defensive ends.
