The Indianapolis Colts are receiving a much needed gift on Sunday when they host the Titans from Lucas Oil. Nothing is for sure, but the Colts should handle the Titans without too much drama. Expect Jonathan Taylor to run wild and the defense to look strong again. The Titans have been a punching bag for the league so far, and with the way the Colts punch down, they have a great opportunity to get back to .500.
Under Shane Steichen, the Colts hold a 7-25 (.219) record against teams over .500. That’s not good. What’s even worse is that the majority of those wins happen early in the year. When the going, and their opponent, gets tough, the Colts get going. That inability to beat good teams is what has kept the Colts out of the playoffs during Steichen’s tenure. This team hasn’t risen to the occasion and folds under pressure.
Luckily, the pressure will be lighter this week. The Colts can’t lose if they want to keep this season alive because a loss to the Titans could result in a cleaning out of top Colts coaches and personnel. That brings some pressure, but the Titans are 0-5. Steichen’s record against that type of team is 19-5 (.792). It’s great to win the ones you should, but the Colts also have to find a way to win in the toss-ups and marquee matchups as well.
Punching down may be enough for the Colts to claw back against the Titans this week. What about the 5-0 and well-rested Minnesota Vikings? Let’s try not to even think about the road contest against the 4-1 Jaguars. If you believe in stats, and if nothing changes, it isn’t looking good. The Colts need to win on Sunday and start playing up to the competition. Punching down only works when you’re better. The Colts might have a hard time finding too many more opportunities where that’s the case.