So far, the start of the Indianapolis Colts' season has resembled a dumpster fire. The Colts are winless and have mustered a mere 21 points in their two losses. Fortunately for them, they have six games against the moribund AFC South on their schedule, and Sunday's matchup against the Tennessee Titans represents the perfect opportunity to get on the right track.
Colts vs. Titans 2015 live stream: Game time, TV schedule and how to watch online
It’s been a disastrous two weeks for the Colts, who look to get back on track against a team that they usually dominate.
Make no mistake, it has been an ugly two weeks in Indy. The Colts have been outscored, 92-28, dating back to the AFC Championship, and Andrew Luck has thrown seven interceptions. He was picked off three times last week in the Colts' embarrassing Monday night loss to the New York Jets.
Luck has turned the ball over a league-leading 28 times since the start of 2014, and he’s thrown five picks in two games this season. After Monday night’s debacle against the Jets, head coach Chuck Pagano appeared to throw him under the bus. (He clarified his remarks Wednesday, and said he’s thankful Luck is on his team.)
Pagano on Luck and #colts leaky O-line: 'Been the case for 3 years now, has it not? Should be more than comfortable dealing with (it).'
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) September 22, 2015 More Pagano on Luck: He's got to take care of the football. Make great decisions. It’s not that hard. It’s not trigonometry.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) September 22, 2015 Though Luck’s turnovers Monday shouldn’t be forgiven, he was under duress all night. The rickety Colts offensive line couldn’t contain the Jets’ pass rush, and Luck seldom had time in the pocket. That’s a must for the Colts, as many of their receivers need time to get down the field.
Despite his recent struggles, Luck should feel comfortable against the Titans this week -- he’s won all six games against them in his career. In general, Luck has dominated the AFC South, torching his divisional foes to the tune of 1,424 passing yards and 32 touchdown passes in 18 games.
The Titans defense appears to be improved this year under new defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, but they still have a proclivity to give up the big play. Tennessee allowed Johnny Manziel to hang a couple of deep passes on them last week, including 60- and 50-yard completions to Travis Benjamin. If the Titans had trouble covering Benjamin, one has to presume they'll have difficulty keeping pace with T.Y. Hilton and the rest of the Colts' receiving corps.
Marcus Mariota will play in his first divisional game Sunday and look to rebound after a so-so performance in Week 2. Mariota did throw two touchdown passes in the loss to Cleveland, but was sacked seven times. But the Titans have averaged 28 points in their two games, and appear to be on the right track offensively. The Colts' No. 1 corner, Vontae Davis, suffered a concussion Sunday, but has been cleared to play in Week 3, so Mariota still has him to account for.
If the Colts play like they should, this game shouldn’t be all that competitive. But given how poorly they’ve played over the last two weeks, anything is possible. Sunday could be a signature early-career win for Mariota, and so far, he’s showed he has the goods to deliver.
How to Watch:
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tenn.
TV: CBS
Commentators: Tom McCarthy, Adam Archuleta
Online: NFL Game Pass
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