The Tennessee Titans are in a tough spot as they prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday at Nissan Stadium. With a 1-3 record, this divisional game is crucial for keeping their AFC South hopes alive. All eyes will be on rookie quarterback Will Levis, who needs to deliver a clean and effective performance for his team to have a chance.
Will Levis Needs to Protect the Football
Will Levis is back under center after dealing with a right shoulder injury he sustained in Week 4. His return comes with immense pressure to curb his early-season mistakes.
The rookie quarterback currently leads the entire league with nine giveaways in just four games. This has been a major factor in the team’s struggles on offense. His turnover record includes:
- Six interceptions
- Three lost fumbles
This ties him with established star Patrick Mahomes and Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson for the most interceptions thrown in the 2024 season so far.
However, there is a silver lining. Levis has shown much better decision-making when playing against divisional opponents. In three of his four starts against AFC South teams, he has successfully avoided throwing any interceptions. He will need that same focus on Sunday, especially after a solid performance against the Colts previously, where he threw for 224 yards and a touchdown with zero turnovers.
Titans’ Defense Dominates but Lacks Takeaways
While the offense has sputtered, the Titans’ defense has been a formidable force and a true bright spot for the team. They have statistically been one of the best units in the league at preventing opponents from moving the ball.
The numbers speak for themselves, with the defense ranking at or near the top of the NFL in several key categories.
| Defensive Metrics | League Rank | Statistic |
| Total Yards Allowed per Game | 1st | 243.8 yards |
| Passing Yards Allowed | 1st | 124.0 yards |
| Points Allowed per Drive | 7th | 1.6 points |
| Forced Turnovers | 29th | 2 total |
The biggest issue for this elite defense has been its inability to create turnovers. Despite leading the NFL by forcing punts on 50% of opponent drives, they have only managed to generate two takeaways all season, ranking them 29th. Against a Colts team that may be missing its starting quarterback, the defense must find a way to capitalize on mistakes and give their offense better field position.
Offensive Line Shake-up Aims to Keep Levis Upright
Protecting Will Levis has been a massive challenge for the Titans this season. He has been sacked 15 times already, a rate that is simply not sustainable.
This problem was on full display the last time these two teams met, when the Colts’ defense sacked Levis a staggering six times. To address this, the coaching staff is making changes. This week, the Titans introduced Leroy Watson IV to compete with Nicholas Petit-Frere for the starting right tackle position.
This move is a clear signal that the team is desperate to find a combination that can give their young quarterback more time to throw. While they only gave up one sack last week to Miami, that number is misleading, as the team ran the ball heavily and only attempted three passes in the entire second half. That conservative game plan will not be enough to beat the Colts.
Rushing Attack Could be the Path to Victory
Tennessee’s best path forward may be on the ground. The team rushed for 142 yards against a solid Dolphins defense last week, showing signs of life in their running game.
Tony Pollard has been the workhorse, leading the team with 246 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He has been particularly effective at breaking tackles, averaging an impressive 4.5 yards after contact per carry. He is complemented by rookie Tyjae Spears, who scored his first career touchdown last week and provides an explosive change of pace.
The Titans’ ground game has a golden opportunity against an Indianapolis defense that ranks 31st in the league, giving up 157 rushing yards per game. If Tennessee can establish a dominant rushing attack, it will control the clock and, more importantly, take significant pressure off Will Levis and the struggling passing game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Titans’ current record?
The Tennessee Titans are currently 1-3 on the season heading into their Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Why is this game so important for the Titans?
This is a must-win divisional game for the Titans. A loss would drop them to 1-4 and put them in a very difficult position to compete for the AFC South title.
Who is the starting quarterback for the Titans?
Rookie Will Levis is the starting quarterback for the Titans. He is returning from a shoulder injury and is under pressure to reduce his league-leading nine turnovers.
What is the biggest strength of the Tennessee Titans?
The Titans’ biggest strength is their defense, which ranks first in the NFL in both total yards and passing yards allowed per game. However, their weakness is a lack of forced turnovers.
How can the Titans’ offense improve against the Colts?
The Titans can improve their offense by protecting quarterback Will Levis better and establishing their running game. The Colts have the 31st-ranked rush defense, which presents a major opportunity for running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears.
