Locked On Colts - Daily Podcast On The Indianapolis Colts - Colts put together most impressive outing of the season in 34-17 win over Titans

Episode Date: November 13, 2020

On today's episode, Evan goes solo to give his immediate opinions on the Colts' 34-17 victory over the Titans on Thursday Night Football. Indy outscored Tennessee 24-0 over the final 30-plus minutes with multiple players having fantastic outings.The defense locked down Tennessee after a strong first few possessions, but the offense finding their footing was the big story. Philip Rivers was efficient and played turnover-free football, while Nyheim Hines and Michael Pittman Jr. broke all the way out. Hines notched two touchdowns, while MPJ looks like he could be Indy's WR1 the final few months of 2020.EJ Speed's blocked punt swung the momentum all the way to Indy and put Tennessee in desperate situations late. The special teams continues to be a strong point for the Colts compared to last year's debacle with Adam Vinatieri.This easily was the best the Colts have looked since their last primetime victory over Kansas City. Honestly, this might be an even more impressive outing. Watch out, because the Colts now are the AFC South division leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are Locked On Colts, your daily Indianapolis Colts podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello everybody, welcome to your latest episode of Locked On Colts, part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Today as always, your host Evan Sider. I'm here joining you right after Thursday Night Football as the Colts pull off arguably their best win of the season. I don't think there's really any arguing about it.

The Colts did just pull off their best win of the season on the road on a short week in Nashville against Tennessee Titans 34-17. They outscored the Titans 24-0 over the final 15 minutes of this game to pull out the 17-point victory where, I mean, that's easily one of the best games we've seen from all levels, offense, defense, special teams, where the Colts really were just firing on all cylinders there. It was a slow start. It was a very close game at halftime. 17-13, Titans actually won or were leading at halftime before the Colts just blew the doors open in the second half.

21-0 in the second half of this one, and it was led by the special teams. EJ Speed got a blocked punt, which swung the momentum back in the Colts' favor. And from there, the Colts really put an overdrive the rest of the way. The defense shut down Ryan Tannehill. The passing offense really had nothing going for Tennessee's side of things. And then from there, the Colts really put an overdrive the rest of the way. The defense shut down Ryan Tannehill. The passing offense really had nothing going for Tennessee's side of things. And then from there, Phillip Rivers on offense was outstanding, as well as Naheem Hines in the ground game, surprisingly enough. Rivers was 29-39 for 308 yards and a touchdown, almost 8 yards per attempt.

And he's only sacked one time. That was Rivers and Naheem Hines on his birthday. Two touchdowns, one receiving, one on the ground. 12 carries for 70 yards, almost six yards per carry in this one. Jordan Wilkins chipped in 28 yards. Jonathan Taylor only had 12 yards. But what is to me, honestly, the most surprising thing, like I mentioned, was just the way this defense just shut down Tennessee.

A high-powered offense where in the first half you thought, wow, this might be getting ugly here in the first couple possessions where Tennessee drives right down the field. A.J. Brown, the first play of that game, a huge chunk play. But then from there, the Titans really had nothing else going outside of Derrick Henry, who, of course, Henry had a huge game himself, 19 carries for 103 yards. But the ground game couldn't get going because once this Colts team got going in the second half, really ball control, turnover, special teams, it was all just flowing for them at once.

And from there, it was really fun to watch the rest of this game. Their most impressive win since Kansas City last year on the road, and ironically enough, also in primetime. But looking at this one, I mean, there's a lot of positives we can go over here. Like we mentioned before, Phillip Rivers' Rivers and Hines really stood out here. Hines had 17 touches in this game for over 115 yards, which is by far a career high for Hines. But also Michael Pittman Jr., seven receptions for 101 yards, also an end around that almost scored for a 21-yard gain. So it's nice to see MPJ finally breaking on here too,

which it seemed like tonight MPJ and Hines were the two best guys in the field outside of Derek Henry which really shows you something that the way this Colts team gets those playmakers in space and Pittman really coming on right now over the last two weeks and that really I think bodes well for this season because if Pittman gets going over the final second half of the year he can really form himself into a legit number one wide out for this Colts team because Rivers is obviously leaning on him more. He had eight targets in this game, which led the team. And he's really gaining a rapport with Rivers where Pittman is so reliable. He has great hands. He's a big body, knows how to get open on short routes, intermediate and deep routes. So I really love how they're

using Pittman right now. I love how Rivers is starting to feed him more. So I think the rest of the way here, I will not be shocked when we see Michael Pittman Jr. become the Colts wide receiver one because he just look like a stud tonight. A future wide receiver one to me and one who could be well on his way to a monster second half of the year for the Colts. This football season will be different and Pepsi's here to get you ready for game day, no matter how you watch this season. Pepsi's a refreshment you need to power through game day and become a member of the League of Football Watchers. These passionate fans are the real generational talent that Pepsi fuels. Because Pepsi isn't made for those who play the game,

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Derrick Henry, of course, had his day. The Colts had 150 rushing yards, almost 5 yards per attempt. But Ryan Tannehill could not get anything going in the passing game outside of the first half. 15-27, 147 yards. He was sacked once, but constant pressure from DeForest Buckner. Had three quarterback hits. Danico Autry as well made a huge swing play in this one where he sacked Tannehill on a bootleg motion.

And it was a third and short play. And Tennessee would have got that. Who would have known if the Colts would have been able to keep it going because Frank Reich went four on fourth down right near the end zone. Very aggressive tonight. The Colts were on offense. I think Frank Reich went for it about four times on fourth down, converted three out of four before that one and he did not get in the end zone. But those swing plays

all treat that sack he had on him, as well as EJ Speed's pump block, really swung everything in the Colts' favor. And I think for this, I mean, I tweeted this out on the Locked on Colts Twitter account tonight, everyone, that this game can easily spark the Colts the rest of the way. If you look at just the way they handled the Titans, they played them again in two weeks. They also played Green Bay in between that. If they can come out of this one really galvanized and motivated

and can go home and beat Green Bay in 10 days and go back home the week after that and beat Tennessee, you're looking at 8-3 and you're really in the driver's seat in the AFC playoff race from there. And it just goes to show you just how momentum can really swing things in this. And it was just awesome to see how this Colts team played. You saw once more just everything fired on all cylinders where you're able to see the defense just going after them constantly in the passing game. Rakia Sin and Xavier Rhodes were awesome.

TJ Carey was awesome as well in this one, the secondary. Julian Blackman had a quiet game, but he had a couple of flash plays as well. And Kari Willis, of course, was on Derek Henry, which is tough sledding for anyone, but he definitely held his ground too. So the secondary held up their end of the bargain. Buckner, Autry, and the guys up front. Grover Stewart as well had a magnificent game. He's well on his way to a huge payday.

But let's hit on, I want to do something really unique for today's episode since it's just me writing solo on this one. I'm going to give my three stars of the game before we close this one out because just a quick little recap for everyone that we will of course have a guest on tomorrow, Stephen Reed of Stampede Blue. And then next week we're going to be previewing Green Bay and recapping Tennessee with our usual guests like Jim Aiello, Kevin Bowen, Zach Hicks as well. So look forward to that. But let's hit our three stars of this game. And he didn't have a gaudy stat line as far as touchdowns go but I think we'd be remiss not

talking about Phillip Rivers for a second 29-39 for 308 yards just in complete control this one as Frank Reich was able to go up tempo which I've said all throughout the year on Twitter that the Colts should always be an up-tempo offense Phillip Rivers it seems like that's where Rivers in the offense is at that's most comfortable. And you're able to see just how effective they can be. Just one-two-three throw, one-two-three throw, one-two-three throw. Just constantly being in tempo, being in a rhythm. And that's how the Colts were able to get going right away.

Rivers, I think early on this one, threw it about almost 30 times in the half, but played a lot of ball control in the second half once they got those touchdowns. The special teams play as well. Had a lot of easy short field opportunities, so you don't have to do much on that. But Rivers was effective, efficient. And when he plays like that, this Colts team is hard to stop, especially with the way the defense is playing so far this year. So with Rivers playing ball control, free football, not turn the ball over, it really just goes to show this team can compete with anyone in the AFC. I don't know about Kansas City just yet. Baltimore really had a couple fluky plays here and there,

so I think it's pretty close between them right now if you're on a neutral field. So I think this Colts team is looking to part every top three, top four team in the AFC, and it's going to be on Rivers the rest of the way to show that because in a game like tonight, if he plays like this the rest of the way, this Colts team is going to catch fire. They're going to be a team to be reckoned with in November and December and possibly January. So that's something to watch for as Phillip Rivers continue brilliance and a little consistent like we saw last week in Baltimore. If he played more like this version of Rivers, 29 of 39 for 308 yards and a touchdown nearly 70% completion

percentage, that's going to get it done almost every single time. So Rivers is definitely a star of this one. Naheem Hines, a birthday boy. I mean, what a game for him. 12 carries for 70 yards, 5 recepts for 45 yards on a touchdown on 6 targets. Just a game where Hines was going, and Frank Reich, you mentioned postgame, that he had a look in his eye. Tom Rath in the running backs coach said, just feed the hot hand. Feed Naheem Hines, and that's exactly what Frank Reich did.

He was very patient running the ball. I think it was easily the best rushing feed the hot hand, feed Naheem Hines, and that's exactly what Frank Reich did. He was very patient running the ball. I think it was easily the best rushing game we've ever seen from Naheem Hines in a Colts uniform over his three seasons in Indianapolis. And as well, just something the Colts desperately needed right now. Jonathan Taylor just in a massive funk right now. I think he might be approaching the doghouse at this point. We've seen already that Taylor's role is just pretty much nothing outside of the first few possessions. And 1.7 yards per carry is not going to cut it.

We've seen it against Detroit. Not a good game. Baltimore, his fumble really swung things. He got benched in that game. Really three straight weeks now where John Taylor has been benched. And I just don't see a role for him right now in this Colts offense, the way Naheem Hines is playing. And Jordan Wilkins was obviously struggling a little bit too. But offense the way Naheem Hines is playing and Jordan Wilkins was obviously struggling a little bit too but this is obviously Naheem Hines night so being able to

have him in more of a role where if he can be patient be like no one can be Marlon Mack as far as patience and visions go for this Colts team right now in 2020 behinds a pretty dang close to that right on Thursday night because he read the hole and reacted he read the hole and was able to really do things outside of that too. So it's really nice to see the ground game really pick things up. 133 total yards of offense. Jacoby Bursette, ironically enough, tapped in a sneak late in this game to make it 34-17. Because of course, Phillip Burr is never going to do quarterback sneaks as we all know.

But it was funny to see Jacoby get a touchdown in this one. But Naheem Hines, the bell cow of the offense tonight. And it really goes to show that when Hines is going, and if they can keep Naheem Hines, the bell cow of the offense tonight, and really goes to show that when Hines is going, and if they can keep force-feeding Hines, he will more often than not make it up to you. No Paris Campbell, you're missing a lot of speed on the field still. I think that's one of the bigger losses so far this year is just Campbell not being able to get things going as far as just injuries going,

and Hines really picking up that role. And being able to be a guy you can rely on week in and week out depending on his usage I think Frank Reich now you know is up for tonight you have to get Naeem Hines involved as much as possible the rest of the season he's a weapon in the receiving game and the running game when he's in a rhythm as well so get Hines going I think this could be a really benchmark game for Hines and his usage the rest of the way because he's just someone you can't take off the field when he's playing like this. And he showed tonight why on his birthday that he can be a legit weapon for the Colts the rest of the way.

So obviously Rivers and Naeem Hines, the other stars of this game. We have Michael Pittman Jr. as well who's breaking out right now. We'll have Pittman more on Friday as well as talking the rest of the week about Pittman who looks, like I mentioned before, legit. Why you're Super 1 for this Colts team the rest of the way. BuildGo makes you the best you at whatever you do. Break through your wall. Whether it's a mental, physical wall,

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I mean, very unsung hero right now. That block where TJ Carey returned it for a touchdown on that punt. And Speed as well got pressure before on the last punt, before this block, and forced a shank from the Titans punter where they got easy field position and were able to get in range. Of course, they didn't convert that, but they were able to get in range and really get in the punter's head a little bit. But EJ's speed without that play,

this Colts team does not win on Thursday night because that swung the momentum entirely. The Colts tied the game, or excuse me, they took the lead on that play where they were able to really just take advantage. They're up 20-17, and right after EJ's speed gets that play, it's 27-17. The Titans are now in catch-up mode the rest of the way, and then once the Colts score once more in the fourth quarter, it's game

over. I mean, they're down 17 points midway through the fourth quarter, and I think we all knew at that point the Colts were cruising to a win and to moving to 6-3 on the season, but EJ Speed, the special teams tonight were awesome. Rodrigo Blankenship continues to be a revelation, a massive upgrade, of course, over what Advent and Terry was last year. But Blankenship making his kicks. Rigoberto Sanchez did not need to be used outside the last possession when it was already out of hand. But the punt block team was outstanding. E.J. Speed deserves a game ball.

He swung that game and able to really keep that momentum going in the second half for the Colts. Where, again, they outscored the Titans 21 to nothing in this one in the second half. But I think this really just goes to show one more time that this Colts team can't compete with anyone, in my opinion. You have a great offense when they're flowing like this. You have an elite defense already. That's been proven. DeForest Buckner, three quarterback hits tonight.

Darius Leonard, of course, flying around the field. Julian Blackman is a game wrecker in the secondary. Xavier Rhodes and Rocky Asin being very disciplined on the outside. And you also have Bobby Okereke, who continues to be one of the more underrated linebackers in the NFL and really breaking out throughout this 2020 season. So this Colts team has all that young talent on defense with Buckner ascending all at the same time. This is a defense that could really play with anyone right now, it looks like. And if this offense can just keep flowing, play no huddle, up-tempo the rest of the year,

don't go away from this Frank Reich. I think this is the way to go. I think Phillip Rivers knows that too. I think Reich now knows that as well. That when this Colts team is up-tempo and flowing through the offense, they are going to be a fun team to watch as far as just being able to get in rhythm offensively and keeping that going. But that's going to do it for this one.

It's a quick recap of tonight's Thursday night football game for the Colts where they upset the Tennessee Titans 34-17. They are now officially, with the tiebreaker over Tennessee, the AFC South leaders in the clubhouse right now in November. So that's a great sight to see. And the rest of the way, they play, of course, Green Bay in 10 days and the week after that at home at Lucas Sola Stadium against the Tennessee Titans. So two huge games come up here in November against the Packers and Titans once more.

But this is Evan Sattery, the host of Locked On Colts, signing off here as we are recapping and finishing off a 34-17 win for the Annapolis Colts over the Tennessee Titans.