Tennessee Titans (1-4) – Indianapolis Colts (4-2): 17-20
The Colts were once again without Jonathan Taylor and it showed. Without him, the Indianapolis offense had a hard time moving forward. Brilliant since he took over in the absence of Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco (22/38, 189 yards, 2TDs, 1int) was in more difficulty against the Titans. But the veteran was able to give Michael Pittman Jr (3 receptions, 35 yards, 1TD) an opportunity to change this meeting.
For the Titans, it was a bit Tony Pollard (17 races, 93 yards, 1TD) or nothing. Especially since Tyjae Spears (6 races, 27 yards), injured, did not participate in the second half of the match. After losing too many balls since the start of the season, Will Levis (16/27, 93 yards, 1TD, 1int) initially did not take any risks. But as soon as he had to take it, once his team was leading, the young quarterback was immediately intercepted.
Defenses take over
It's complicated for both teams to advance in this first half. However, the Colts started the game perfectly. On his first possession, Joe Flacco moved the chains before finding Josh Downs in the endzone. But the Colts' offensive momentum was broken the next time after a nasty interception thrown by the veteran quarterback. Two punts later, Indianapolis took advantage of a 33-yard run, signed Tyler Goodson, to return to the opposing camp. The Colts will have to settle for a field goal this time.
On the other hand, it's just as complicated for Will Levis. The young quarterback took advantage of the advantageous position, linked to Flacco's interception, to find Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in the endzone. But behind, the Tennessee attack is totally dependent on the breakthroughs of Tony Pollard. At halftime the two teams were tied, 10-10.
Michael Pittman saves Indianapolis
As soon as they return from the locker room, the Titans continue. A very long possession of more than eight minutes which seems to end with a field goal, after three consecutive penalties for right tackle Leroy Watson. This is without counting on Tony Pollard who gives his team the advantage with a 23-yard run in 3&19.
The problem for Tennessee is that we are, at this point, halfway through the third quarter and this is the last time that the locals will score points in this meeting. The next three possessions: 3&out, 3&out and interception by Will Levis.
Indianapolis didn't do much better. The Colts only scored on the first two possessions of this second half but that will be enough. The first, lasting almost 7 minutes, ends at the gates of the endzone and the Colts are limited to a field goal.
It's only a postponement. Well helped by a defensive pass interference which pushed them forward 33 yards, Joe Flacco and Indianapolis found the redzone. This time Michael Pittman Jr struggles to give his team the lead again17-20.
A sufficient advance. Will Levis will have one last chance to get back in front. But with 12 seconds on the clock, on his three yards and with no timeouts, the mission was impossible.
