One Titans improvement will face a big test vs. Colts
NASHVILLE — After struggling with allowing an alarming number of explosive plays, the Tennessee Titans' defense answered the bell against the Cincinnati Bengals and allowed zero x-plays in Week 4. As a result of that huge improvement, the Bengals scored just three points and Tennessee dominated time of possession by nearly ten minutes. As Titans […]
NASHVILLE — After struggling with allowing an alarming number of explosive plays, the Tennessee Titans' defense answered the bell against the Cincinnati Bengals and allowed zero x-plays in Week 4.
As a result of that huge improvement, the Bengals scored just three points and Tennessee dominated time of possession by nearly ten minutes.
As Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton said after the game, when the Titans are able to prevent x-plays (particularly through the air), they have the potential to be an elite defense. But that improvement from a week ago is going to get a major test in Indianapolis on Sunday.
Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has had an electrifying start to his NFL career. Through four weeks and three games, Richardson is leading the league in explosive play rate.
In his first three career games, Richardson has played 151 offensive snaps and already racked up 12 explosive plays. Four of those plays have been runs, eight have been passes, and four have resulted in touchdowns.
Richardson has a unique skillset that the Titans defense hasn't really seen yet. Titans defesnive coordinator Shane Bowen said on Thursday that Richardson is a "freak athlete" that has the "ability to hurt you like Lamar Jackson," but is "more of a Josh Allen type of runner."
The 21-year-old quarterback also has a cannon for an arm and is not afraid to let it rip. Last week against the Los Angeles Rams, Richardson threw 14 passes 10+ yards beyond the line of scrimmage and six passes 20+ yards down field.
Tennessee's first division game of 2023 should be a good test for a secondary that needs to build off the momentum gained against the Bengals.
"The guys are really locked in from a game plan standpoint. We've kind of been harping on the x-plays. If we can limit the x-plays, we've got a chance to be really good on the back end," said Titans secondary coach Chris Harris about limiting explosive plays against the Colts. "X-plays lead to points, and when you give them up, you're at least going to give up three (points) so were trying to make a concerted effort to eliminate the x-plays, stay on top, whether that be coverage or technique guys are really in tune with that. "
Harris is hoping that Sunday's win over the Bengals will be a building block for his unit moving forward. They've seen on how effective they can be, now it's a matter of repeating it.
But let's not forget the fact that Richardson can hurt an opposing defense in more ways than one. Being strong in coverage is only one of the Titans' defensive keys. Unlike Joe Burrow last week, Richardson is as mobile as it gets. That will require Tennessee's defensive front to stay disciplined in rush lanes and be sound tacklers.
"Getting him down. Make sure we tackle him. Hit, tackle him, and effect him," said Titans outside linebacker Arden Key when asked about the challenges of facing Richardson. "He reminds me a little bit of Deshuan Watson. Just strong in the pocket and a big quarterback."
But even with the impressive physical tools and early success, Key made it clear that the Titans' defensive line doesn't fear Richardson. Tennessee is going after him and bringing the heat.
"We've got to wrap him up heavy and hit him up top, but at the end of the day he's still a rookie," said Key. "We're gonna do a lot of things to come at him as a rookie to see if he can handle those things.
Hopefully bringing some pressure will force Richardson into making some mistakes and the Titans defense can create a few turnovers on Sunday.
With everybody in the AFC South currently sitting at 2-2, this Week 5 matchup couldn't be more important for both teams.
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