The Dopey Report Card (Colts-Titans)

Good grades? Damned right. The Colts went toe to toe with one of the best running and run-stopping teams in the league, and punched them right in the mouth.

RUN OFFENSE

The big news this weekend was Jonathan Taylor’s new contract extension, but on the field, it’s been all about Zack Moss in recent weeks. Sunday, he rushed for a career-high 165 yards, no small effort against the top run-stuffing team in the league. This marked the first time an individual rusher has gone over 100 yards in 20 games against the Titans and the first time in 10 games a running attack exceeded 100 yards. The best news, besides Moss’ production, is this: The offensive line seems to have rediscovered its “Run The Damn Ball” identity. Add in the fact the O-line has been strong in pass protection and what you have is a group experiencing a renaissance. Give major credit to the players, but don’t forget new O-line coach Tony Sparano, Jr., who has them playing at a rarefied level. In the end, the Colts rushed 34 times for 193 yards, two rushing touchdowns and a long of 56 yards (Moss). Taylor was quiet, as expected: Six carries, 18 yards. Give him time.

Grade: A+

RUN DEFENSE

Over the years, Derrick Henry has absolutely owned the Colts; truth is, he’s owned just about everybody in the NFL, but he’s been especially effective against Indy. Sunday, all of that changed. Henry had 13 carries for 43 yard, a 3.3 yards-per-carry average with a high of just eight yards. That’s Henry’s lowest total against Indy since, get this, 2016. Tennessee managed just 89 rushing yards, its lowest total against Indianapolis since Week 11 of 2018. And the Colts did it without Kwity Paye and Shaq Leonard. As always, Zaire Franklin had a team-high 12 tackles and one pass defense. He’s the only NFL player this season to amass 10 or more tackles in every game. The Colts front seven has been terrific, and, with a thin and inexperienced secondary, it’s had to be stout. Another solid game from DeForest Buckner, who’s been playing through injuries and finished with six combined tackles and a quarterback hit.

Grade: A