The Indianapolis Colts (0-1) will be looking bounce back when they travel south to Nashville, paying a visit to the Tennessee Titans (1-0) in Week 2 at Nissan Stadium.
While there are some reasons for concern in the matchup, there are equally strong reasons for optimism that Indy can come out with their first win of the season.
Here are three reasons for optimism as the Colts take on the Titans in Week 2:
Taylor Lewan suspension
As the Colts didn’t have to face Chargers star left tackle Russell Okung in Week 1, they will have the same benefit with the Titans starting left tackle but for a slightly different reason.
Lewan is suspended for the first four games of the season after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. This means the Colts will be facing a backup protecting the blindside of Marcus Mariota.
At right defensive end, the Colts are likely to use a rotation of Al-Quadin Muhammad, Kemoko Turay and rookie Ben Banogu.
Run game is coming together
Despite the slow start in the first half of the regular-season opener, the Colts’ rushing attack proved it can be a legitimate force leading the offense. Marlon Mack ran for a career-high 174 yards in Week 1 behind an offensive line that excelled in zone blocking.
The Titans have a strong front seven, which means the Colts will really have to be on their game when they travel to Nashville. The Colts don’t mind leaning on the pass a little bit more than the ground game, but they have made it a point to be a top-five unit running the ball.
Going over 200 yards in Week 1 helps inch closer to that goal, and it can be a reason they control the game against the Titans.
Jacoby Brissett was impressive
In a much better situation than the last time he was the starter, Brissett thrived in a quick-hitting game plan in Week 1. His ball placement was strong as was his pocket manipulation and eye discipline.
There weren’t many mistakes Brissett made throughout the opener against the Chargers. He finished completing 21 of 27 passes for 190 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions and a 120.7 passer rating.
The Colts could begin to open up the playbook a little more in Week 2, but they have to be encouraged with Brissett running the offense regardless.
