The Tantalizing Ten: Titans Home Edition
Intro: Each week, we will take a look at 10 players that will have a big impact in the game. Who are the "Tantalizing Ten" when the Colts (4-5) return from their bye to take on the Titans (5-5) in Week 11?
Marcus Mariota is coming off a four-touchdown performance in Week 10 that earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Mariota hasn't really relied on his legs much over the past few weeks. With DeMarco Murray leading the way, the Titans don't need much from Mariota, but they are getting it.
Donte Moncrief was not on the field when these teams met on Oct. 23. He's played since and has found the end zone in each contest. Was Moncrief's presence the missing link from this offense truly finding its form in 2016?
The workhorse running back is still on pace for a 1,000-yard season. Frank Gore is hovering slightly above four yards per carry and has 592 yards after nine games. It's worth repeating: the last time the NFL saw a 1,000-yard rusher at the age of 33 or older was 1984 (John Riggins).
In the October meeting between the Colts and Titans, Andrew Luck was on his game. Luck wasn't fazed by so many new faces at the pass-catching positions. Luck has never lost to the Titans and missed last year's Week 17 contest against them at Lucas Oil Stadium.
DeMarco Murray should be getting even more recognition for the type of season he is having in Tennessee. Murray is the NFL's second-leading rusher with 191 attempts for 930 yards and 8 touchdowns. Murray had 107 yards when these teams first met. Is that the over/under for Sunday's meeting?
In his ninth NFL season, Erik Walden is deserving of Pro Bowl consideration. Walden has piled up 7.0 sacks this year even though he's doing his pass rushing from a strong side linebacker position.
The last time the Colts were on the field, D'Qwell Jackson didn't see an inside linebacker next to him too often. That personnel package, with six defensive backs, probably won't be used nearly as much as it was in the win over Green Bay. The Titans want to pound the football with the NFL's second best rushing attack.
A nine-catch, 78-yard game for Jack Doyle in Week Seven was a career afternoon. The Colts relied on Doyle for some critical receptions in that 34-26 win over the Titans. In a contract year, Doyle has already eclipsed career-highs with 36 catches for 379 yards and four touchdowns.
Even north of 30 years old, Delanie Walker is still one of the NFL's better tight ends. The Titans don't really have any Pro Bowl caliber receivers, so Walker is their leading receiver. Clayton Geathers should expect to see a lot of No. 82 when those passing downs arrive.
It was down in Nashville where Adam Vinatieri broke the NFL record for most consecutive field goals made. Vinny added another two last week, giving him 45 straight makes.
