The Indianapolis Colts are set to face the Tennessee Titans in their Week 6 matchup this Sunday at 1 p.m. EST.
Last week, the Colts showcased a strong offensive performance during their initial drive and a solid finish when the Jaguars’ defense weakened late in the game while the Colts led by multiple scores. However, while there has been praise for Joe Flacco, who performed admirably as a backup, the Colts’ offense struggled during the second and third quarters, managing only 10 points. Their early points came from their first drive and a fortunate series of plays that brought in a few more.
The absence of Anthony Richardson significantly impacted the Colts’ running game, making it ineffective. Although Jonathan Taylor’s presence could have altered this dynamic, he was not on the field, and even with Flacco’s brief running success, the Jaguars’ defense did not feel threatened.
Defensively, the Colts faced a dismal performance last week. Despite the offense scoring 34 points, which typically should lead to a victory, the defense could not uphold their end.
Looking ahead to this week’s game, the Colts’ offensive strategy will likely mirror last week’s approach. Flacco will likely execute the offense without creating additional opportunities, and the running game may continue to struggle.
On the defensive side, it appears the Colts may face challenges against Titans quarterback Will Levis. If Levis performs well, it could be a cause for concern regarding the Colts’ secondary, which has struggled under head coach Gus Bradley’s system. While critics have pointed fingers at Bradley for maintaining the league’s last-ranked defense, his straightforward scheme can work well when executed correctly. However, the Colts’ players have not consistently applied the basics of their coverage assignments, leading to confusion and poor execution.
The pressure is on as the Colts must address the shortcomings of their defense. The recent cutting of player Dallis Flowers may serve as a wake-up call for the remaining defensive unit to adhere closely to their roles and responsibilities. This week’s game could provide essential insights into the team’s trajectory for the remainder of the season.