Points of Emphasis: Colts vs. Titans

First, a bit of an apology, last week I failed to write an article going over the Colts Week 2 game versus the Jets. Some may argue the lack of an article was actually my best work but I digress. My daughter and I were a bit under the weather and while many believe I generally just vomit onto the keyboard when I write, I didn't want to literally do so. Second, I'm changing the format since it's my column anyways. I'm getting rid of the Offense, Defense and Special Teams/Coaching labels. As I go through it should be pretty evident which unit I'm discussing. That all being said, let's move on to happier times as the Colts get their first win of the season against the Titans.

Thank the good Lord for the Titans and the AFC South. Somehow the Titans found a way to hand the game back to the Colts after pretty much controlling about 90% of the game. The offensive line was shifted around and played better as a whole but was not good. This isn't a surprise. It's something we've all harped on for about three years now. Honestly, it's getting to the point where I'm starting to feel bad for Coach Chuck Pagano, Offensive Coordinator Pep Hamilton, and, of course, Andrew Luck. Now several penalties can be attributed to not coaching guys up. However, when it's gotten this bad, there is an obvious talent issue. Grigson is not even giving the team a chance. For three years, Grigson has harped on keeping Luck upright but refuses to bring in the necessary talent to do so. The only offensive lineman that has been consistent over that time has been Anthony Castonzo and he was not a Grigson pick. The only player that Grigson has brought in that has shown any promise is Jack Mewhort and the jury is still in deep deliberations on him. Grigson's lack of ability to bring in competent offensive linemen is even more ironic when you consider Grigson played offensive line his entire life. One would think Grigson would have a pretty good knowledge on who should work out and who may not.

I get why everyone is down on Andre Johnson. He hasn't produced on the stat sheet and it's pretty clear he's been passed by Donte Moncrief as the team's second wide receiver. However, I wouldn't count Andre out just yet. He's actually gotten several "bigger" plays but each time, they were called back for holding. So yeah, Andre isn't putting up great fantasy numbers just yet, but he's playing better than those box score junkies give him credit.

Sometimes I wish the defense would always play like it's 1st and goal from the two. For the past couple years, they get gashed up until their 10 but somehow hold up strong inside of it. There were two separate drives where the defense stepped up huge and limited the Titans to a field goal and then stopped the 2 point conversion to win the game. I do understand why this happens, the field is "shorter" for offenses so spreading the defense out and taking advantage of the Colts depleted secondary is not nearly as effective.

Those two rookies are making a huge splash on defense. If you're not aware, I'm talking about the Stanford duo of Henry Anderson and David Parry. Those guys have been lighting it up along the defensive front. They are getting pressure and disengaging blocks to limit running backs. It's honestly a breath of fresh air to have multiple defensive linemen who are playing well.

Where the heck is the pass rush?? The Colts finally got to Marcus Mariota in the fourth quarter but leading up to that the team got basically no pass rush from their rush outside linebackers. Robert Mathis looked decent when he wasn't being dropped in coverage, but he is still a shell of his old self. If the Colts can't find a way to manufacture pass rush, the glaring holes in the secondary will become even brighter and the AFC South may not be the cakewalk it once was.

Pat McAfee is a bold and beautiful man. His fake punt, which we all assume was him calling his own number, was likely the spark that lit a fire under the Colts even if it took a few drives for the fire to really get burning. There's always a chance for a big moment when McAfee steps on the field.