Indy is clicking on all three phases, nearly doubling its three opponents in scoring, 103-56, and becoming the first team since 1967 to score at least 29 points in each of their first three games to start the season.
The Indianapolis Colts are singing in cadence.
“I’m a steam roller baby.”
“And I’m rolling down the line”
“I’m a steam roller baby”
“And I’m rolling down the line”
“So you better get out of my way now”
“Before I roll all over you.”
The Colts never trailed from the opening snap and left no doubt with a dominant 41-20 road win in Sunday’s AFC South clash over the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.
The Colts are one of six teams that improved to 3-0, and Indy’s well-oiled machine just steamrolled over another AFC opponent for the second time in three games this season. Indy is clicking on all three phases, nearly doubling its three opponents in scoring, 103-56, and becoming the first team since 1967 to score at least 29 points in each of their first three games to start the season.
Cornerback Kenny Moore II sniffed out a checkdown on the third play from scrimmage while Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward intended to find running back Tony Pollard, but Moore jumped the route and returned it 32 yards to the house for his franchise-record breaking and tying fourth career pick six in the opening minute. It’s the fastest pick six to start a game and tied the franchise record in career pick sixes.
Running back Jonathan Taylor powered the charge with 102 rushing yards on 17 carries and a hat trick with three rushing TDs. Taylor capped off a 77-yard march on the second offensive drive with a one-yard plunge to give the Colts a 17-3 lead.
Late in the third quarter as soon as the Colts breached Titans territory, Taylor was fed on an inside run behind rookie Tyler Warren as his lead blocker and the sixth-year veteran running back raced for the longest run of the day. Taylor cut right and spinned around to completely avoid two defenders, then broke free from the grasp of another two Titans defenders for a 46-yard touchdown to seal the win.
In his last two meetings with the Titans, Taylor has collected 320 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. Taylor is one of four players with 7,500 scrimmage yards and 60 touchdowns in his first 70 career games, joining Arian Foster, Adrian Peterson and Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDanian Tomlinson.
Quarterback Daniel Jones continues to play sharp and efficiently with the ability to spread the wealth around. Jones completed 18-of-25 passes for 228 passing yards, connecting with receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on six catches for 73 yards and one TD. Out of the break, Jones delivered the dagger to Pittman on a quick slant, and the veteran receiver made the extra effort to reach across the goal line for a 20-yard touchdown to stretch the lead to 27-6.
The Colts (3-0) took advantage of some terrible clock management by the Titans to seize possession inside Titans territory and kicker Spencer Shrader delivered a 36-yard field goal to give the Colts a 20-6 lead at halftime. Defensive tackle Grover Stewart blocked a 62-yard field goal attempt just before halftime, allowing Shrader to add a 36-yarder at the gun for a 20-6 cushion. It took 19 drives for the Colts to have to punt, which is the second-longest in team history.
The Colts engineered 10 explosive plays of at least 15 yards, while their defense allowed just five. Just four minutes into the game, Jones faked the handoff, rolled left and launched a perfectly placed throw across the field to receiver Josh Downs for a 29-yard gain.
The Colts dominated the trenches, limiting the Titans to 86 rushing yards on 23 carries and 5-for-14 on third down. Defensive end Tyquan Lewis secured two sacks, while Kwity Paye and Neville Gallimore both notched first-half sacks to take the rookie QB down four times.
Titans QB Cam Ward finished 23 of 38 for 219 yards with one touchdown. Tennessee briefly threatened in the second half as running back Tony Pollard’s 1-yard run capped a 73-yard drive to cut the deficit to 27-13 in the third quarter.
The Colts continue their road trip and close the first month of the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams.
Category: General Sports
