My Chris Johnson Blog

In a case of extremes, the 4-0 Colts step into Tennessee to face the disappointing 0-4 Titans. For Indianapolis, Peyton & co. are making winning look easy. The Titans, on the other hand, have already surpassed their loss total from last season as they try to keep their season alive against an explosive Colts squad.

Colts on Offense

As always, the Indy offensive attack starts with Peyton Manning, who has completed 71% of his passes and is playing near-perfect football. Peyton is making everyone around him better, including rookie receiver Austin Collie and 2nd year man Pierre Garcon. Peyton Manning should look to feed them early and keep their confidence going. Then there's veterans Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark, who have the potential to make big plays anytime they get the ball. Peyton should have a field day with this group against Tennessee's league-worst pass defense and a beaten-up secondary. On the ground, Joseph Addai can wear down the Titans and rookie Donald Brown is versatile enough to catch the ball and make plays out of the backfield. Indy's high-powered offense can overwhelm the Titans and demoralize them in the 1st half. Defensively, Tennessee has to use their pride and the crowd's energy to their advantage and just play like they have nothing to lose. That could take pressure off the daunting task of defending Peyton and the Colts.  

Titans on Offense

Unlike Indy, the Titans haven't had the same QB leadership from Kerry Collins, who has thrown 6 picks in 4 games this season. Still, it looks like Jeff Fisher is sticking with his veteran for now. Plenty of people within the Titans organization may be questioning Fisher's decision and wondering when Vince Young will get another chance. But as for this week, Collins or Young, it really doesn't matter because neither one will outscore Peyton. To be fair, the 36 year-old Collins is not all to blame. The rushing duo of Chris Johnson and LenDale White has underachieved so far, especially in the past 2 games. Johnson can give the Titans a spark if he breaks a few runs for big gains, and he is also a safe receiving option. Collins will look to rookie Kenny Britt, who has become a top receiver for the Titans. Nate Washington has shown that he can be a good redzone option by catching a touchdown in each of his last 3 games. The Titans need to capitalize on those situations as well as 3rd down conversions if they want to make this game interesting. The Tennessee O-line also has to deal with Indy's front 4 on defense, including Dwight Freeney's dizzying spin moves. This will make it that much tougher for the immobile Collins to get rid of the football.

The Titans have another chance to win their first game of the season, but unfortunately for them they'll be running into the wrong team this week. Peyton and the Colts will keep their streak going, as Tennessee keeps their's going too.
 
Prediction

Indianapolis    30

Tennessee     17