Colts Game Preview vs. Titans: Analysis, prediction, TV info
Where: LP Field, Nashville, Tenn. (grass, outdoors)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Titans by 3.5
Records: Colts (Overall: 3-3, AFC South: 0-1); Titans (Overall: 3-4, AFC South: 0-1)
Past results: Three most recent meetings: Dec. 18, 2011: Colts 27, Titans 13; Oct. 30, 2011: Titans 27, Colts 10; Jan. 2, 2011: Colts 23, Titans 20. Series record: Colts lead, 21-13.
What matters: As has been the case throughout the season, the Colts are banged up -- especially on defense. The unit took a step forward stopping the run last week, though the effort came against a mostly Trent Richardson-less Browns offense. Several players -- namely starters Dwight Freeney, Pat Angerer, Robert Mathis, and Cory Redding -- are questionable for Sunday's game, and they, unfortunately, are major cogs in run-stopping. This game can hinge on the status of those four players Sunday.
Who matters: Chris Johnson. If Johnson has a game like he did last week -- 18 carries, 195 yards, two touchdowns -- it doesn't matter who plays on the Colts defense. Several Indianapolis players have discussed Johnson's ability to break a run when it's least expected, so the Colts have to constantly be on watch. It's certainly setting up to be a big day for Johnson, especially if the bulk of the Indy defense doesn't suit up.
Key matchup: Johnson vs. Colts front. Just as it has been in the last couple games, stopping the run will be the main focus of the Colts defense. They didn't against the Jets and got blown out; they did against the Browns and won. The Indianapolis offense is capable of making plays, but if the Titans control the ball and move down the field on the ground, Luck and company will be kept on the sideline.
Injuries of note: As of now, OLB Dwight Freeney (ankle), ILB Pat Angerer (foot), DE Cory Redding (knee), and OLB Robert Mathis (knee) are questionable. Angerer and Redding did not practice Thursday, which does not bode well for their statuses come Sunday. One the other hand, running back Donald Brown put in a full practice Thursday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery just over two weeks ago.
Inside stuff: As soft as the Colts defense has been against the run this season, their own run game has been ineffective. Luck leads the team in rushing touchdowns with three, and only Donald Brown has found the end zone out of the Indianapolis backfield, and he has only done so once.
Connections: Wide receiver Donnie Avery played for the Titans last season, and Colts punter Pat McAfee will be kicking to his former college teammate at West Virginia, Darius Reynaud.
Stat you should know: Luck is 45 of 89 for 589 yards and one touchdown and five interceptions in two games on the road. Though those came against the Jets and Bears, they are still concerning numbers for the rookie.
Looking ahead: The Colts return home next week to face the Dolphins, leading into a short turnaround for a Thursday night game in Jacksonville.
Prediction: Titans 20, Colts 17
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSColts.
