Skip to main content

We have arrived at Week Six and the franchise already has a must-win scenario on their hands. The Colts can move to 3-3 on the season with a win. But with a loss, they move to 2-4 and will have dug themselves a nearly inescapable hole for the remainder of the season. The injuries are piling up with star receiver Micheal Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Jonathan Taylor (ruled out) potentially missing this week. In better news, Anthony Richardson, Ryan Kelly, and Kwity Paye all look to be ready to go and return to the starting lineup. Let’s dive into our weekly keys to victory for this must-win matchup in Nashville.

 

 

 

Overcoming Injuries

 

The news on everyone but Jonathan Taylor is still a bit cloudy. Pittman is dealing with a back injury, and it appears Josh Downs may have turf toe. Both injuries will keep them at less than full strength, but it will be more of a pain tolerance issue. Will the staff lower the capacity of work for them, and we see more reliance on Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell? Or even Ashton Dulin and Trey Sermon?

On the defensive end, Kwity Paye seems to be ready, but it looks like Kenny Moore will be a true game-time decision. Taven Bryan and Raekwon Davis will continue to fill in for DeForest Buckner on the defensive line. Shane Steichen’s game plan on offense against this top-tier Tennessee defense will be a key factor in this game. Steichen has shown an affinity for getting the best of the available players and this week will be no different

 

Will Defense Improve Or Continue Regression?

 

The Colts struggled on the defensive side of the ball the first two weeks. Showed improvement over the next two weeks and laid an egg last week in Jacksonville. On top of the poor coverage they showed on their pass catchers, we saw zero pass rush against Trevor Lawrence. He was on the ground once and it wasn’t because of the pass rush. It was the first game this season that the Colts’ pass rush was not a factor.

The defense mentioned an intense film session they had this week to correct the mistakes that were made against Jacksonville. The Colts did release Dallis Flowers on Monday after another poor performance and missed assignments. He will presumably be replaced by Sam Womack, who has been decent since acquiring him off the 49ers. This defense must show some progress and limit the large chunk plays that plagued them last week if they want any chance to win this week.

 

Anthony Richardson Vs Will Levis

 

Richardson will reportedly return to the starting lineup barring any Saturday setback. The Titans will return Will Levis to their starting lineup as well. Both were in the 2023 Draft class, and it was (rumored) that if the Colts could not draft Richardson, they were planning to take Levis.

Both quarterbacks have yet to win over their fanbase completely. Both quarterbacks have six interceptions and have committed too many turnovers. Both are led by offensive-minded coaches Shane Steichen and Brian Callahan. Both are still trying to gain meaningful reps to continue their growth.

We have seen the flashes of greatness with Richardson, and we have seen the bad throws and decisions as well. If Richardson can put together a full and consistent game, we could see the first real turning point in his young career. The task will not be easy against this difficult Titans defense but the quarterback who can put together a complete game will more than likely come out with a crucial October victory.

 

More from The Blue Stable:

 

FILM ROOM: How Josh Downs has transformed the entire Colts passing attack

With Another Devastating Injury, Did Chris Ballard Buy Another Year?

Leave a Reply