NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans face the Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Here's a look at five things to watch in Sunday's game:
Walker milestones
Titans tight end Delanie Walker has a chance to make history against the Colts. Walker is six yards away from becoming the first tight end in franchise history to reach 1,000 receiving yards on the season. He also needs five more receptions to make him the ninth tight end in NFL history to record 90 catches in a season. With 85 catches for 994 yards and a six touchdowns, it's been heck of a year for Walker no matter what happens. It would be nice to see Walker hit both of these, and with the rate he's been going, he will.
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Mettenberger streak**
Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger has lost the first nine starts of his NFL career, and he's getting tired of being asked about it. There's one way to nip it in the bud – with a win. The Titans haven't produced much on offense in Mettenberger's first three starts of the season. In fact, the team has scored just 19 points in the three games combined -- 7 vs Falcons, 6 at Houston and 6 vs Houston. Chances are, the Titans are going to need to create more offense on Sunday to stop the skid.
End the turnovers
The Titans would've made it difficult for any QB to win last week with their sloppy play. The team lost four turnovers against the Texans, three on fumbles and another on a Mettenberger interception. The Titans have turned the ball over at least once in every game this season, and are a minus-14 in the key takeaway/giveaway category. Why not end the streak in the season finale? It's the last chance.
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Run the football**
Running back Antonio Andrews was involved in two of the turnovers against the Texans, a week after missing an assignment against the Patriots which led to Marcus Mariota being sacked, and injured. Titans interim coach Mike Mularkey said Andrews isn't in the doghouse, but he did say running backs Bishop Sankey and David Cobb should get more opportunities running the ball in the season finale. The Titans have 24, 59 and 30 rushing yards in the last three games. The team is now ranked 28th in rushing offense. Getting the running game going on Sunday would be nice.
Top 10 defense?
Titans defensive coaches Dick LeBeau and Ray Horton have both made it clear they'd like to see the unit finish in the top 10 in total defense this season. Players have echoed the desire to reach that goal. Early on, it looked like that was a real chance. But the Titans have slipped in the standings in recent weeks, and are now ranked 13th overall. It's not impossible, but the defense will need a lockdown performance to surge into the top 10.
