NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things to watch:
Derrick Henry's Productivity
Titans running back Derrick Henry has 532 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in December. His rushing total is the most by any player in any calendar month this season. With one or more rushing touchdowns vs the Colts, Henry would tie the franchise record for most consecutive team games (5) with a rushing touchdown. The Titans need a big outing from Henry on Sunday. In his career, he's had some nice games against the Colts.
The Quarterback
Titans quarterback Marcius Mariota practiced on Thursday and Friday, which was a step in the right direction. Will he be the starter on Sunday? And if he plays, will he be able to finish? Well, he's listed as questionable on the team's Injury Report, so his status isn't decided. Mariota was knocked out of the first meeting against the Colts. The Titans would love to see him available, and making plays like he did in big games late last season. Meanwhile, back-up QB Blaine Gabbert is on standby.
Can the Titans Stop Luck?
Well, we all know the streak by now – Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is a perfect 10-0 against the Titans. What Luck has done in the past doesn't matter now, however. What matters now is how well the Titans do against him on Sunday, and whether they can make him uncomfortable in the pocket. The Titans couldn't pressure Luck in the Week 11 meeting, and they're going to have to find ways to do it on Sunday. If not, it's going to make things very difficult.
Contain T.Y. – and Eric Ebron
The Titans did a great job shutting down Colts tight end Eric Ebron in Week 11. The problem is Colts receiver T.Y. Hilton had a monstrous day, hauling in nine catches for 155 yards and two touchdowns while working mainly against Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson. Will the Titans take a different approach the second time around? Stay tuned.
Stepping up for Casey
I mentioned in category No.3 the important of harassing Luck. Well, the Titans will be playing without defensive tackle Jurrell Casey for the first time this season, so the mission is tougher. Who steps up? Across the board the Titans are going to need defensive linemen to play well, from DaQuan Jones to Austin Johnson to Bennie Logan. Coach Mike Vrabel indicated earlier this week young d-lineman Matt Dickerson should be active as well. Darius Kilgo is also on the mix.
The crowd
I'm expecting a hyped-up, sold out crowd at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, where the Titans will be trying to go 7-1 at home for the first time since the 2008 season. Vrabel said he wants fans to get "tuned up" on Broadway leading up to the contest. The Titans are 16-3 in their last 19 homes games, and the crowd has played a role. The Titans want to see fans at the game early, and they want them loud. Facing a win-and-in scenario, I'm looking forward to seeing the raucous atmosphere.
The Tennessee Titans take the field for practice on Friday, Dec. 28, 2018 at Saint Thomas Sports Park. (Photos: Gary Glenn)
TitansOnline.com looks back at the all-time series with the Indianapolis Colts. (AP Photos)
Tennessee Titans' Corey Davis (84) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts' Kenny Moore (42) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is sacked by Tennessee Titans' DaQuan Jones (90) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Tennessee Titans' Delanie Walker (82) makes a two yard touchdown reception against Indianapolis Colts' Jon Bostic during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is tackled by the Tennessee Titans defense during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Tennessee Titans' Corey Davis (84) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts' Kenny Moore (42) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Tennessee Titans' Marcus Mariota (8) greets fans following an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. Tennessee won 20-16. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans' Corey Davis (84) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts' Kenny Moore (42) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Tennessee Titans' Delanie Walker makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts' Pierre Desir during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Tennessee Titans' Corey Davis (84) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts' Kenny Moore (42) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans' Derrick Henry runs against Indianapolis Colts' Antonio Morrison during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Indianapolis. Tennessee won 20-16. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) in action as the Tennessee Titans played the Indianapolis Colts in an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Tennessee Titans' Tajae Sharpe (19) makes a touchdown catch against Indianapolis Colts' Kenny Moore during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans center Ben Jones (60) waits to snap the football during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs out of the tackle of Indianapolis Colts' Jabaal Sheard during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
The Tennessee Titans play the Indianapolis Colts during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Tennessee Titans' Jonnu Smith (81) runs against Indianapolis Colts' Kenny Moore (23) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) talks with Tennessee Titans' Brian Orakpo following an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in Indianapolis. Indianapolis won 38-10. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Tennessee Titans inside linebacker Jayon Brown (55) runs the ball after recovering a fumble against the Indianapolis Colts in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans tight end Luke Stocker (88) scores a touchdown on a 22-yard pass reception against the Indianapolis Colts in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) is brought down by Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry (58) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) carries the ball past Indianapolis Colts outside linebacker Darius Leonard (53) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
