NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Titans (1-3) dropped their third consecutive game on Sunday in Indianapolis with a 44-17 loss to the Colts (2-2).
Jake Locker didn't play with a wrist injury giving Charlie Whitehurst his fifth career NFL start. The Titans backup QB completed 12 of 23 passing attempts for 177 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Whitehurst was under siege all day being sacked three times and hit a total of five times.
Andrew Luck continues to impress, throwing for 393 yards and four touchdowns to extend his NFL lead to 13 touchdowns through four games.
Storyline Statistics
First Downs – Ten: 16 Ind: 31
Third Down Efficiency – Ten: 1-9 (11%) Ind: 7-14 (50%)
Total Yards – Ten: 261 Ind: 498
Time of Possession – Ten: 17:39 Ind: 42:21
Unlike last week against the Bengals, the statistics tell the story of this game.
Review of the Five Things to Watch:
1. Start Fast Offensively
The Titans first quarter struggles continued against the Colts, turning the ball over on each of
their first two possessions. Tennessee is still yet to score a point in the first quarter this season.
The second quarter featured more promising results, scoring 10 points on their final two possessions of the half. Third downs continue to be an area of concern as the Titans didn't convert a single third down in the first half.
2. Red Zone Efficiency
The offense showed improved success in the red zone, scoring on two of their three trips inside the 20. Unfortunately, the Colts also had no problem scoring in the red zone, converting four of their six trips into touchdowns.
3. Win 3rd Down
The Titans offense went 0-4 on third down in the first half and finished 1-9 in the game. Defensively, the Titans allowed the Colts to convert 7-14 third down attempts.
This will continue to be a focus for weeks to come.
4. Avoid the Deep Ball
The secondary had its hands full all day with the Colts receivers. T.Y. Hilton caught a
37-yard pass in the first half, marking the first pass of 30-plus yards allowed by the Titans this season.
Reggie Wayne caught another deep ball in the second half, a 28-yard score down the left sideline caught right at the goal line.
5. Feed the Hot Hand
Delanie Walker continues to be the Titans standout playmaker, catching five passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Walker said in the offseason that he wanted catch 80 passes this season and he's well on his way.
At the quarter mark of the season, Walker has 22 catches for 317 yards and three touchdowns. The Titans top tight end is on pace for 88 catches, 1,268 yards, and 12 touchdowns – all of which would be franchise records by a tight end.
Quote of the Day
"I believe that we are a better football team than what we've shown. You know, that's a hard thing to say because there's not a lot of evidence to back that up." – Ken Whisenhunt on the past three games.
