The Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts face off in Week 8 action from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, at 3:25 p.m. CDT this Sunday.
The first meeting between these division rivals was incredibly lopsided in the Colts’ favor. Their 41-20 victory showcased the newly rejuvenated Daniel Jones and what he’s done for their offense. The Titans had no answer for Jonathan Taylor, and Jones didn’t seem to be under any kind of pressure for most of the game.
This week, the Titans have a chance to redeem themselves. It’s their second game under interim head coach Mike McCoy, and Cam Ward is finding new connections with young receivers. A 6-1 team versus a 1-6 team, it would seem like there’s not much hope for the Titans in this game. But anything can happen.
Here are six keys to a Titans’ victory over the Colts in Week 8.
Protect Cam Ward at all costs
Cam Ward has taken 30 sacks this season, second-most in the NFL. The Titans’ offensive line has to neutralize Indy’s pass rush with maximum protection, quick throws, and designed rollouts to keep the rookie upright. With adequate protection and play calling, Ward’s confidence will remain intact as the game wears on, and his play will reflect that confidence.
Adjust the offensive game plan
Calvin Ridley is out and Tyler Lockett is gone, leaving Cam Ward with rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor as his top targets. Van Jefferson made some key plays last week, too, but Nick Holz has to adjust his game plan for these specific receivers. Use screens, jet sweeps, and motion to create separation.
With the Titans’ reliance on young receivers, they also have to establish the run early. Whether it’s Tony Pollard or Tyjae Spears, the ground game needs to create problems for the Colts’ defense. This gives the receivers more separation in the final third of the field, and it helps control the clock.
Control the clock
Which leads us to the third key: Control the clock. Keeping the Colts’ offense off the field is the primary goal. If the Titans can gather 35+ minutes of possession, it would greatly limit the Colts’ ability to score while simultaneously wearing down their defense. Even if the Titans don’t score, they must sustain drives to keep control of the pace and the clock.
Disguise coverage to confuse Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones can read a static defense with surgical precision. Dennard Wilson must mix coverages, show blitz and drop, use stunts, and bait Jones into mistakes—especially on third down. Jones is having a career season, but he is not infallible. Confuse him, get under his skin, make him uncomfortable in the pocket, whatever it takes to force mistakes and get the Colts’ offense off the field.
Gap discipline vs. Jonathan Taylor
This is, perhaps, the biggest key of all. Taylor thrives on cutbacks and over-pursuit, so the Titans’ front seven must stay disciplined, especially on outside zone runs. Cedric Gray and Cody Barton will be key to this effort, especially if Arden Key can’t go on Sunday. The Titans have to hold their ground, don’t dive in head-first, and watch Taylor’s feet to avoid misdirection.
Red zone efficiency
The Titans rank 30th in red zone touchdown rate, which is why they aren’t winning games. They have to finish with seven, not three. Cam Ward should look for Chig Okonkwo and Van Jefferson in tight quarters, but don’t forget the ability of Chimere Dike to get open in crucial moments. Putting the ball in the hands of a running back could maybe help too. Maybe. Just saying.
Play loose, not desperate
The Titans literally have nothing to lose at this point. They’re 1-6 and simply want to get out of this season as healthy as possible to prepare for whoever is taking over as head coach next year. That freedom can fuel aggressive play calling, fourth-down attempts, trick plays, and tempo changes that catch Indy off guard. The Titans aren’t necessarily known for doing any of those things, but maybe this is the week they try something new. Heck, it may even result in a win.