As Week 2 approaches, the Indianapolis Colts (0-1) and Tennessee Titans (1-0) will face off in a divisional matchup at Nissan Stadium on Sunday.
This matchup should be a competitive one—even if the Colts are on the road. There are also a few emerging storylines that have been taking place in the week(s) leading up to the matchup.
Here are four storylines to watch in Week 2:
Can Jacoby Brissett find same success as Andrew Luck?
The Colts dominated the Titans during the Luck era, and that is putting it lightly. It has been so lopsided that the Colts have won 11 of the last 13 matchups with the Titans. Luck finished his career undefeated against the division foe. But the two games they lost were with Brissett under center with a much worse supporting cast. One of the storylines to keep an eye on is whether Brissett can continue the trend of dominance over the Titans that Luck gave during his time. Can Brissett propel the Colts to a win or will they begin the season 0-2?
Marlon Mack emerging as a top back
This isn’t just an overreaction to the regular-season opener in which Mack rushed for 174 yards and a touchdown. The current league leader in rushing yards has been putting on a display of dominance since the second half of the 2018 season began. During the final 11 games of that campaign, Mack rushed for 874 yards on 4.7 yards per carry. He continued to show his ascension as one of the up-and-coming backs in the league by torching the Chargers front seven—with plenty of help from his offensive line. Now, he faces a stiffer challenge in the Titans in Week 2. For what it’s worth, he took 41 carries for 180 yards and two touchdowns in the two games against the Titans in 2018.
Adam Vinatieri looking for a bounce back
It was a most forgettable game for the veteran in Vinatieri during the Week 1 matchup against the Chargers. He missed two field-goal attempts and one extra point attempt. He didn’t allude to any physical ailments that are holding him back, so the 46-year-old will be looking to bounce back against the Titans in Week 2. Head coach Frank Reich hasn’t expressed any concern about Vinatieri being able to show consistency kicking the ball, even as the 24-year veteran approaches the end of his career. Regardless, Vinatieri needs a bounce-back performance in Week 2.
Injuries/Suspensions
There aren’t a ton of injuries to monitor, but there are some on both sides. The Colts will be without defensive end Jabaal Sheard and running back Jonathan Williams while defensive end Kemoko Turay is doubtful so he’s unlikely to play. The Titans ruled out linebacker Reggie Gilbert and guard Kevin Pamphile while running back David Fluellen in questionable. The Colts are also monitoring defensive tackle Tyquan Lewis, who is still working his way back from a lingering knee injury from the preseason but has been practicing in full as far as the injury report goes. The Titans will be without left tackle Taylor Lewan, who is suspended.
