The Tennessee Titans meet the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday for their second divisional matchup of 2025.

Daniel Jones has taken the Colts to the next level, leading not just the AFC South but the entire AFC, and the entire NFL. They are the only six-win team and are quietly making their playoff aspirations come to life.

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Meanwhile, the Titans can’t seem to get their plane off the ground, struggling through muck and dragging baggage into every game. Cam Ward is inconsistent, and his receiving corps is decimated. The defense is doing what it can, but injuries to key players are a problem.

These two teams are polar opposites, with the Titans being at the bottom of the league and the Colts at the top. So, to gain insight into this Week 8 matchup, Titans Wire went behind enemy lines with Colts Wire‘s Paul Bretl to dig into it.

The last time the Colts made the postseason was 2020. They’ve gotten off to a strong 6-1 start this year and show no signs of slowing down. What is the difference this year that has them seeing so much success?

The biggest thing is the play at the quarterback position. Daniel Jones isn’t just providing stability at the position, but he’s operating the offense at an extremely high level. And when the quarterback is playing well, the rest of the offense usually follows suit. That consistency under center is then allowing the other positions, where the Colts have a lot of talent, to flourish.

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Division games are always tough, but the Colts are having an entirely different season than the Titans. What’s the likelihood that the Colts overlook the Titans after defeating them so soundly in Week 3?

Anything can happen in the NFL, but I don’t see that being the case with this Colts team. For one, they’re firing on all cylinders, especially on offense. They’re also at home, and there is a very ‘taking care of business’ approach that this team has. Leading the way in that regard is Jones.

How has Shane Steichen’s offensive philosophy evolved since taking over as head coach?

I don’t know that anything has drastically evolved, but what I think we are seeing now is the full capabilities of Steichen’s offense because of the play at the quarterback position. Even in the midst of the Colts’ struggles in past seasons, Steichen has always been an excellent game planner and play caller. I think many are now just seeing those abilities on display.

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Daniel Jones and the offense are scoring with ease, and that’s what everyone is talking about. What about defensively? The most points they’ve allowed in a single game is 28. How has Lou Anarumo changed the way the defense operates?

The pass rush could use more juice opposite of Laiatu Latu, and the cornerback depth continues to be tested. But this unit oftentimes comes up with the big stop or key turnover at pivotal moments in the game. Players make the plays and deserve that credit, but the more aggressive and disguise-heavy Anarumo defense helps position those players well and throws a lot of different looks at opposing offenses.

Which Colts rookies have exceeded expectations in 2025, and what roles are they carving out?

First-round pick Tyler Warren was expected to play a big role right away, but he has been such a key part of the Colts’ offensive success. For starters, there is the production – he leads all tight ends in receiving yards. But in addition to that, his versatility and ability as a blocker make him a chess piece within Steichen’s offense, who can move him around the formation and task Warren with filling a variety of roles. This do-it-all presence at tight end adds a layer of unpredictability to the offense, opening up opportunities not only for Warren but for others as well.

This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts: Behind Enemy Lines