3 Things Colts Defense Must Accomplish to Defeat Titans

The Indianapolis Colts are approaching their big divisional matchup with the Tennessee Titans. What must Gus Bradley and the defense do to defend their home turf?

The Indianapolis Colts are set to host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Currently, both teams sit at 2-2, but the Colts are 0-2 at home, and the Titans are the same on the road. So, something has to give in this AFC South showdown.

The Colts have a new breath of fresh air in the facility with Anthony Richardson, Shane Steichen, and the youth movement for all sides of the ball. However, it’s the defense that has to deal with the problem of Derrick Henry and DeAndre Hopkins. What are some goals that Gus Bradley should have in mind to deal with Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly? Let’s detail three.

#1) Contain Derrick Henry

© George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK

This is the most simple to explain. Every NFL defense has this as their number one goal every time they play the Titans.

Henry isn’t a typical running back. He stands 6’3” and weighs sub-250 pounds. He is elusive, deceptively quick, incredibly intelligent/aware, and harder to stop than a full-speed locomotive.

Henry has been in the league since 2016 and has feasted against the Colts. Below are his numbers against Indianapolis in 14 games. They display a player who has the Colts’ number and hasn’t slowed down but only improves seemingly every time he sees his AFC South rival.

• 253 rushing attempts
• 1,287 rushing yards
• 5.1 avg
• 7 rushing TD

It’s not often that Henry gets bottled up, but it’s essential in keeping the Titans at bay offensively. For the Colts, it’s all about DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart, and stellar interior defensive line play. Without it, all the Titans will do is run Henry up the middle 25-plus times until the Colts' defense mentally breaks and gives up.

Look for, as usual, Henry to be the top priority for Bradley’s defense to focus on and stop.

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#2) Don’t Allow DeAndre Hopkins to Take Over

© Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Titans made a big play by getting veteran standout pass-catcher Hopkins in the offseason after the Arizona Cardinals released him to the open market.

So far this year, Hopkins has 18 catches for 216 yards and 12 first downs (all team-lead). Outside of Hopkins, the Titans don’t have big-time receivers. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine is a decent player who can make solid plays in a pinch but isn’t close to Hopkins’ skill level.

Also, with fellow receiver Treylon Burks out for the game Sunday, Hopkins will have to shoulder more responsibility. Look for this young Colts secondary to put Hopkins at the top of their focus from the Titans’ wide receivers.

With the season-ending injury of cornerback Dallis Flowers it will be interesting to see what Bradley wants to do to fill this gaping hole. Will rookie Jaylon Jones or second-year defender Darrell Baker Jr. get the start? Whoever gets bumped up will have a huge responsibility to not allow Hopkins to dominate should they get lined up with him.

#3) Force Ryan Tannehill to Try to Win the Game

Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

The Titans' offensive line hasn’t been good at protecting Ryan Tannehill. Currently, he’s been sacked an insane 16 times in four games. He also has more interceptions thrown than TDs. Below are Tannehill’s passing numbers through all four games:

• 67-of-108 passing (62.0%)
• 788 yards
• 2 TD/4 INT

Needless to say, if the Colts can bottle up Henry and force Tannehill to stand behind the struggling Titans offensive line, they could force him into taking sacks or making mistakes.

Tannehill has played well in his career against Indianapolis, especially as a Titan. But, Tennessee almost has to have a ground game to win given how thin they are at receiver. Tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo is an athletic player who can make things happen, but only has 10 catches for 71 yards on the season, so the Titans will need more to get going in the passing attack for him to make an immense impact.

It’s fair to say that Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has done a lot of fantastic work with very little offensively as a leader, but this could be the thinnest receiver he’s had group to date. The key will be good tackling from the Colts’ linebackers against Henry and pressure in Tannehill’s face from the defensive front minus defensive end Kwity Paye.

If this defensive game plan can roll out and Indy can take advantage of a porous Titans offensive line, they may just stifle any offensive progress from Henry or Tannehill. However, Vrabel probably has some tricks up his sleeve for his long-time AFC South foe. Sunday will be a dogfight in the Circle City for progression in the division.

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