Indianapolis Colts: 5 Players who need to play well to beat Titans in Week 3
It’s put up or shut up time for the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3 as they travel to a likely high-pressure and unfriendly environment against the Titans.
The Indianapolis Colts have already dug a large hole for themselves with an 0-2 start to the 2021 season. Fortunately, they’ve not yet played an AFC South opponent, at least not until they make the trip to Nashville for a Week 3 matchup on Sunday.
By far the biggest question for the Colts is who will be starting at quarterback. Will Carson Wentz play through two sprained ankles or could it be Jacob Eason, Brett Hundley or a combination of the two? The Titans have stated they prepared for Wentz but we’ll likely have to wait until pregame warmups to know if he’ll be the starter.
Which players take the snaps under center will be key. Wentz presents a more favorable game plan as Eason or Hundley would require a possession-heavy offensive approach. No matter what, though, these five players need to be at their best in Week 3 for the Colts to avoid an 0-3 start to the season.
Indianapolis Colts X-factor players to beating Titans in Week 3
5. Ryan Kelly, C
When a new quarterback comes into the game, the exchange from the center can sometimes be an issue. Moreover, if it’s an issue, any negative results from that could derail a drive or lead to a turnover. That puts some pressure on Kelly to make sure he’s in sync with whoever starts as the signal-caller. Additionally, Kelly and the offensive line will need to block well to keep Eason, a less mobile player, upright.
4. Jack Doyle, TE
Potentially with an inexperienced quarterback, Frank Reich might want to take advantage of the short passing game, which could lead to Jack Doyle playing a major role. He’s not going to wow people but Doyle has good hands and a strong frame to make plays over the middle. This would be a great opportunity to get the tight end more involved.
3. DeForest Buckner, DE
As the offense has questions about inexperience and more, the defensive line needs to be active and get after Ryan Tannehill. DeForest Buckner needs to be a leader in that charge. He has only one sack on the year but needs to add to that total while also bein a key contributor and slowing down the Titans’ bread and butter, Derrick Henry.
2. Jacob Eason/Brett Hundley, QB
Neither Eason nor Hundley is expected to be the driving force behind the Colts’ first win of the season. However, their role should be not to lose the game for Indianapolis. They can’t be timid but also can’t make mental errors and give the ball away. Either backup that plays must avoid costly mistakes to give their run game and defense a chance to secure the win.
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1. Jonathan Taylor, RB
No matter the quarterback, Jonathan Taylor needs to be big for the Colts in this game. He needs to keep drives going and keep the ball out of the Titans’ possession. Not only will that keep Henry from getting rolling but it will negate any Tennessee pass rush that could really rattle inexperienced quarterback options because they’ll have to respect the run.