INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts open up AFC South Division play in Week 6, when they travel to take on the Tennessee Titans on ESPN's Monday Night Football.
With the season right around the corner, let's take a close look at the matchup:**
Week 6:**
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans
Monday, Oct. 16; 8:30 p.m.
Nissan Stadium2016 synopsis:
The Titans in 2016 finished with a 9-7 record, placing second in the AFC South Division standings. The team sat at 5-6 after a 24-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Indianapolis in Week 11, but would end up winning four of its last five games to threaten the Houston Texans for the division title. A devastating loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16, however, would foil those plans for good.
The Titans showed a much improved offensive attack in 2016, and ranked 11th in the NFL in total yards per game (358.0). Of those yards, they ranked 25th in the league in passing yards per game (221.3), but their 136.7 rushing yards per game ranked third.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota took a major leap forward last season, as he would complete 276-of-451 passes (61.2 percent) for 3,426 yards with 26 touchdowns to nine interceptions, while also running the ball 60 times for 349 yards and two touchdowns.
The Titans also enjoyed a resurgent year from running back DeMarco Murray, who ran the ball 293 times for 1,287 yards (4.4 yards per carry) with nine touchdowns, while Derrick Henry provided a solid backup for Tennessee, running the ball 110 times for 490 yards (4.5 yards per carry) and five touchdowns. Tight end Delanie Walker (800 yards receiving, seven touchdowns) and wide receiver Richard Matthews (945 yards receiving, nine touchdowns) each led the team with 65 receptions on the year.
The Titans' defense, meanwhile, would rank 20th on the year in total defense, allowing 357.5 yards per game. While Tennessee was stout against the run — it only allowed 88.3 rushing yards per game, good enough for second in the NFL — it would rank among the worst in the league, 30th, in pass defense, as the Titans allowed 269.2 passing yards per game.
Linebacker Avery Williamson led the Tennessee defense with 104 total tackles, while adding an interception, pass defensed and forced fumble apiece, as well as two sacks. Cornerback Perrish Cox had a team-high three interceptions, while linebacker Brian Orakpo led the team with 10.5 sacks.
Murray, Walker, left tackle Taylor Lewan, Orakpo and defensive tackle Jurrell Casey would each be voted to the Pro Bowl for the Titans last season.Key additions:
Safety John Cyprien, cornerback Logan Ryan, wide receiver Eric Decker, safety Brendan Trawick, guard Tim Lelito, safety Demontre Hurst, wide receiver Eric Seems, linebacker Daren Bates, defensive tackle Sylvester Williams2017 NFL Draft picks:
Wide receiver Corey Davis (Round 1, Pick 5), cornerback Adoreé Jackson (Round 1, Pick 18), wide receiver Taywan Taylor (Round 3, Pick 8), tight end Jonnu Smith (Round 3, Pick 36), linebacker Jayon Brown (Round 5, Pick 11), offensive lineman Corey Levin (Round 6, Pick 34), outside linebacker Josh Carraway (Round 7, Pick 9), tackle Brad Seaton (Round 7, Pick 18), running back Khalfani Muhammad (Round 7, Pick 23)Key losses:
Tight end Anthony Fasano (Dolphins), wide receiver Kendall Wright (Bears), safety Daimion Stafford (Steelers), cornerback Jason McCourty (Browns), linebacker Sean Spence (Colts), safety Rashad Johnson (free agent), guard Brian Schwenke (Colts), halfback Antonio Andrews (free agent), wide receiver Marc Mariani (free agent), cornerback Antwon Blake (Giants), defensive end David Bass (Seahawks), guard Chance Warmack (Eagles), defensive tackle Al Woods (Colts)Series history vs. Colts:
Colts lead, 31-14Last matchup:
Nov. 20, 2016: Colts 24, Titans 17; Lucas Oil Stadium (Indianapolis)
2017 Colts Season Previews:
• Week 1 (at Los Angeles Rams)
• Week 2 (vs. Arizona Cardinals)
• Week 3 (vs. Cleveland Browns)
• Week 4 (at Seattle Seahawks)
• Week 5 (vs. San Francisco 49ers)
• Week 6 (at Tennessee Titans)
• Week 7 (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)
• Week 8 (at Cincinnati Bengals)
• Week 9 (at Houston Texans)
• Week 10 (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)
• Week 12 (vs. Tennessee Titans)
• Week 13 (at Jacksonville Jaguars)
• Week 14 (at Buffalo Bills)
• Week 15 (vs. Denver Broncos)
• Week 16 (at Baltimore Ravens)
• Week 17 (vs. Houston Texans)
The analysis from those producing content on Colts.com does not necessarily represent the thoughts of the Indianapolis Colts organization. Any conjecture, analysis or opinions formed by Colts.com content creators is not based on inside knowledge gained from team officials, players or staff.
