The Tennessee Titans are gearing up to host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in what feels like a make-or-break game. Sitting at 1-3, the Titans need a win to stay competitive in the AFC South. Meanwhile, rookie quarterback Will Levis is under pressure to deliver a strong performance after battling both injuries and inconsistency early in the season.
Will Levis Aims to Rebound from Rocky Start
Levis is back in action after nursing a right shoulder injury sustained in Week 4 against the Dolphins.
- The rookie quarterback leads the league with nine giveaways, including six interceptions and three fumbles, tying him with Patrick Mahomes and Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson for most INTs in 2024.
- Encouragingly, Levis has performed well in divisional matchups. In three of his four starts against AFC South teams, he has managed to avoid throwing interceptions.
The Titans need Levis to channel that same composure against the Colts on Sunday. His previous game against Indianapolis saw him throw for 224 yards and a touchdown with zero turnovers. If he can recreate that effort, Tennessee’s offense might finally find some rhythm.
Titans’ Defense Continues to Shine but Needs Takeaways
Despite the team’s slow start, Tennessee’s defense has emerged as a bright spot, currently leading the league in total defense.
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 Titans’ defense has been exceptional at forcing punts, leading the NFL with a 50% opponent drive stoppage rate. However, they are near the bottom of the league in generating turnovers. Facing a Colts offense that could be without Richardson, the Titans need to capitalize on any mistakes to tip the scales.
Offensive Line Adjustments Key to Protecting Levis
Levis has been under siege this season, getting sacked 15 times in just four games. His protection has become a glaring issue, especially after a rough outing against the Colts last season, where he was taken down six times.
This week, the Titans introduced Leroy Watson IV into the competition for the starting right tackle spot, challenging Nicholas Petit-Frere. It’s a crucial adjustment as Tennessee looks to stabilize its offensive line and give Levis more time in the pocket.
The team saw some success last week against Miami, limiting the Dolphins to just one sack—though that stat comes with a caveat. With only three second-half passing attempts, the Titans minimized drop-backs to protect Levis, a strategy that likely won’t hold up against the Colts.
Titans’ Ground Game Looks to Exploit Colts’ Leaky Defense
Tennessee found success on the ground last week, rushing for 142 yards against the Dolphins. Tony Pollard, the team’s top rusher this season, leads the way with 246 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 4.5 yards after contact per carry.
The Colts enter Sunday’s contest ranked 31st in rushing defense, allowing 157 yards per game—an area the Titans will look to exploit. Tyjae Spears, who scored his first touchdown last week, adds depth to the backfield and will play a key role alongside Pollard.
If the Titans can replicate their recent rushing success, it will not only relieve pressure on Levis but also open up play-action opportunities downfield.
Special Teams Woes Loom Large as Titans Seek Improvement
Special teams remain a concern for Tennessee, following a string of blocked punts this season. Titans punter Ryan Stonehouse suffered a knee injury in last year’s meeting with the Colts, and the team has struggled to find consistency in punt protection since.
Kicker Nick Folk has been a bright spot, coming off a five-field-goal performance. But the Titans are hoping they won’t need him as much this week, aiming to convert drives into touchdowns rather than settling for field goals.