THIRD QUARTERBACK ACTIVE: Matt Hasselbeck started at quarterback for the Titans for the 14th consecutive game this season despite being limited during the practice week with a calf injury, which he suffered in the previous game against the New Orleans Saints. He was replaced in the fourth quarter at Indianapolis by rookie backup Jake Locker, who also was on the injury report during the week (chest). For the first time in 2011, second-year quarterback Rusty Smith was in uniform and on the 46-man gameday roster. Smith was inactive in each of the first 13 contests.
HASSELBECK & LOCKER COMBINE FOR 38 COMPLETIONS, 56 ATTEMPTS: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck completed 27 of 40 passes for 223 yards against the Colts, while Jake Locker was 11-of-16 for 108 yards. Their combined 56 attempts tied for the sixth-highest total in franchise history and the most since the club's 61 at Oakland on Dec. 19, 2004. The duo's 38 completions rank fourth in team annals and make up the largest total since the team posted 40 completions against the Raiders on the same day.
LOCKER AND WASHINGTON CONNECT FOR ANOTHER TOUCHDOWN: Rookie quarterback Jake Locker has completed four touchdown passes in his rookie season, and they have all been to wide receiver Nate Washington. At Indianapolis, they connected for a seven-yard touchdown. Washington has tied his career high with six total touchdown receptions in 2011, his third consecutive season to reach the mark.
WASHINGTON EXTENDS STREAK: With a six-yard catch in the second quarter, Nate Washington extended his streak to 60 consecutive games with at least one reception (46 consecutive games with the Titans).
COOK LEADS TEAM, SETS CAREER HIGHS: Tight end Jared Cook led the team and set new career benchmarks with nine receptions and 103 receiving yards against the Colts. It was his first career 100-yard effort, the 19th 100-yard receiving performance in franchise history by a tight end, and the highest yardage total by a Titans tight end since Bo Scaife's 105 yards against Jacksonville on Sept. 7, 2008. Cook's previous high for receptions was seven at Indianapolis on Jan. 2, and his previous high yardage total was 96 at Kansas City on Dec. 26, 2010.
HAWKINS SETS CAREER HIGHS: Wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins set new career highs and finished second on the team with eight receptions and 88 receiving yards. He topped his previous highs of five receptions (twice, last vs. Tampa Bay on Nov. 27, 2011) and 63 yards (vs. Cincinnati on Nov. 6, 2011). His totals against the Colts included a key 22-yard catch on third-and-one in the second quarter.
BIRONAS HITS SEASON LONG, EXTENDS STREAK: In the second quarter, Rob Bironas made a season-long 53-yard field goal. It also extended his streak to eight consecutive games with a field goal of at least 40 yards, the longest-such streak of his career. He added a 21-yard field goal
AYERS FORCES FIRST FUMBLE: In the second quarter, Titans rookie linebacker Akeem Ayers chased down wide receiver Pierre Garcon and registered his first career forced fumble. Safety Chris Hope recovered the ball, notching his sixth career fumble recovery.
JOHNSON REACHES CAREER HIGH IN RECEIVING: With eight receptions against the Colts, Chris Johnson set a career high with 53 total receptions in 2011. His previous high was 50 receptions in 2009.
TITANS INACTIVES: The Titans' seven inactive players against the Colts were running back Javon Ringer, linebacker Gerald McRath, center Kevin Matthews, tackle Byron Stingily, defensive tackle Zach Clayton, wide receiver Donnie Avery and defensive end William Hayes. Ringer (hand), McRath (knee) and Hayes (groin) were out due to injuries.
