Indianapolis Colts (1-2-1) – Tennessee Titans (2-2): 24-17
The Titans only played one half, but sometimes that’s enough. Carried by Derrick Henry (22 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD – 3 rec, 33 yards), they scored points on their first four possessions to lead 24-3. Next? Much more.
Tennessee was even scared to the end. Moe Allie-Cox (6 rec, 85 yards, 2 TDs) scored twice just before and after halftime to bring his team back to possession (24-17).
There are then a little more than 7 minutes to play in the third quarter… and the match will sink into boredom until the end, without the slightest point scored.
Shy Frank Reich
Quickly led, the Colts abandoned a ground game that was not successful this Sunday anyway. With only 2.1 yards per race, Jonathan Taylor (20 races, 42 yards) often took a wall. A difficult evening punctuated by a fumble from the runner in the opposing field in the last quarter, while his team was one touchdown away from equalizing.
So Frank Reich relied mainly on Matt Ryan (27/37, 356 yards, 2 TDs, 1 int). But it didn’t fare much better in the decisive moments. Especially since the coach was not inspired either. Faced with a 4th & 21 yards 2 mins 04 from the end, Reich preferred to attempt a kick from 51 yards. Even with a successful kick and a successful onside kick, it should have gone to score a touchdown. Except that the field goal is missed, and the extra point covered. He surely feared to return the ball in good position for an opposing field goal which would have killed the game. But shyness does not pay. End of the game.
There is not really anything to brag about on the Titans side all the same. Ryan Tannehill (17/21, 137 yards, 2 TDs, 3 sacks) provided the essentials without sparking. And it will take entire games to claim to beat stronger teams than the Colts.
