An early Tennessee Titans lead has bred a chippy game between both sides Thursday night. The Indianapolis Colts defense was gashed by running back Chris Johnson early, and quickly became frustrated. Emotions boiled over in the second quarter when linebacker Erik Walden headbutted tight end Delanie Walker -- when Walker wasn't wearing a helmet.
Erik Walden headbutts Delanie Walker in chippy game
Emotions are high between the Colts and Titans on Thursday Night Football.
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
Walden tore off Walker’s helmet in the tackle, which happens as part of the game, but following up the helmet rip with the head butt is a feat rarely seen. To make matters worse, there was no penalty flag or ejection on the play, despite the Titans appealing to referees.
This served as a spark, with both teams pushing and shoving on a routine basis. The Colts gave up 27 yards on back-to-back unnecessary roughness penalties to allow the Titans to kick a field goal, extending their lead to 17-3.
The second half of Thursday Night Football will be one to watch. Both sides are committing a lot of penalties and there’s no telling where this game could go.
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