Dopey Report Card -- Colts vs. Titans

It wasn't a thrill-a-minute affair, but grit matters and the Colts got the job done with their pass defense and special teams -- and Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr., who showed up when it mattered.

RUN OFFENSE

This was a bad matchup from the start, the Colts utilizing their two backup running backs (Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson) against one of the stoutest defenses in the league. Indy rushed 29 times for 80 yards, a paltry 2.9 yard-per-carry average. That said, Goodson’s game-high 33-yard run set up a field goal later in the game. The Colts scored a touchdown on their opening drive for the third consecutive game, the first time they’ve done that since a stretch during the 2020 building. The two subs have handled their business the last two games, but Jonathan Taylor can’t return soon enough. Without Taylor and Anthony Richardson, the Colts are missing their two homerun hitters.

Grade: D

RUN DEFENSE

With the Titans looking at a third-and-19 at the Colts’ 24-yard line, Tennessee called a give-up play, a run up the middle, in order to set themselves up for a field goal. Instead, running back Tony Pollard broke two tackles by Sam Womack and Julian Blackmon and galloped into the end zone. That can’t happen – ever. The run defense, which is still missing DeForest Buckner, allowed 146 yards on 28 carries, a 5.2 yard-per-carry average. Buckner, by the way, is eligible to return this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, but no word yet on his availability.

Grade: C-