The Tantalizing Ten: Titans (Road) Edition
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 open up their AFC South slate of games with a trip to Tennessee?
"I've got to improve." That was the message from Andrew Luck this week. The Colts eight turnovers lead the NFL after two games and Luck has committed six of those. Last year following an 0-2 start, Luck turned in the finest statistical performance of his career with a 31-of-39, 370-yard, four-touchdown afternoon in Jacksonville. Is a similar outing coming Sunday in Nashville?
The No. 2 overall pick has been impressive in two NFL starts. Mariota leads the NFL in quarterback rating through two weeks. His 129.9 rating and six touchdown passes are the best/most after two starts in NFL history for a rookie quarterback. Mariota has spread the ball around as well with 11 different Titans catching a pass.
Last week, none of the Colts three tight ends were targeted. That just doesn't happen in a Pep Hamilton offense. Getting the tight ends more involved in the passing game has been preached from multiple Colts this week. Fleener should be the recipient of those, if Dwayne Allen's ankle keeps him out.
Chuck Pagano said earlier this week he's never seen a position group be so beat up than his cornerbacks are right now. After missing their top four cornerbacks for a half last week, the Colts should have Vontae Davis back in the lineup. Jalil Brown is the likely starter opposite Davis and he should expect plenty of balls his way. The Titans did not throw at Davis in their Week Four meeting last season.
Mathis will see his snap count increase in Week Three, after he played 13 snaps in his return on Monday night. For Mathis and the entire Colts pass rush, applying more pressure is a must. The Colts have just one sack and three quarterback hits in two games. Last week, the Titans gave up seven sacks and 11 quarterback hits.
The praise for Casey was endless around the Colts locker room this past week. One of the most underrated interior defensive linemen in the NFL, Casey has 16.5 sacks in the past three seasons. Knowing where No. 99 is on Sunday is a must for the Colts interior offensive linemen.
Through two games, Moncrief is the Colts leading receiver (13 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns). Moncrief's potential was evident last season when he was called upon in relief. Despite big names and first-round picks inside the Colts wideout room, it's Moncrief who has been Andrew Luck's go-to guy after two weeks.
Herremans represents the Colts offensive line in this week's photo gallery. The unit hasn't been able to handle pressure through two weeks, with Andrew Luck under more duress than any other quarterback. With Lance Louis (shoulder) banged up, could we see some shuffling up front?
Putting Gore's third-quarter fumble aside from Monday night, the 11-year veteran showed plenty of promise. Gore had seven carries for 41 yards in the first half and that obviously doesn't include 12 and 11-yard runs that were called back due to holding. Gore wants to right his wrong from Monday night so expect quite the passionate effort from him on Sunday.
With a banged up Colts secondary, Wright could be a go-to guy for Mariota. No Titans player has caught more than six balls this season but Wright does pace the group. If there is a No. 1 target, Wright is that guy and you have to think he will have some chances to make plays in Week Three.
