Matchups to Watch: Week 8 vs. Titans

Rock Ya-Sin vs. A.J. Brown

Titans’ wide receiver A.J. Brown has looked like a stud since returning from injury, and is a big reason the Titans defeated the Bills and the Chiefs. Rock has been playing above my expectations when he is on the field, the only problem is that he has been unable to stay on the field because of injuries. After returning to practice this week, Rock looks ready to take the field once again and considering just how thin the Colts are at safety, they will need all the help they can get in the secondary.

Kwity Paye vs. Taylor Lewan

Kwity Paye has performed admirably as a run stopper and is slowly starting to come into his own as a pass rusher. Titans’ left tackle Taylor Lewan has struggled with injuries this year, and when he has been on the field he has not been as dominant as in previous seasons. Kwity Paye looks like the Colts’ only pass rushing option on the edge as Al-Quadin Muhammad, Kemoko Turay, Isaac Rochell, and Ben Banogu has not been producing at all.

Michael Pittman Jr. vs. Titans’ cornerbacks

After Kristian Fulton’s season-ending injury, the Titans are looking rather thin at cornerback. Jackrabbit Jenkins, Chris Jackson, and Elijah Molden look like the starters for Sunday, and while they have not been bad, a lot of their weaknesses have been masked by the Titans’ impressive front 7 generating pressure. Facing a Colts’ offensive line that has been trending in the right direction, if Wentz gets that extra second to throw, he can count on Michael Pittman Jr. to take advantage of his height against the Titans’ corners.

Eric Fisher vs. Bud Dupree/Harold Landry

Colts’ left tackle Eric Fisher struggled against elite edge rusher Nick Bosa, as he is still getting back to 100% from his Achilles injury. Carson Wentz needs Fisher to step up and start showing why Ballard pursued him, as the former Chiefs’ tackle will once again have a tough matchup in front of him, facing Bud Dupree and Harold Landry.

Quenton Nelson/Chris Reed vs. Jeffery Simmons/Denico Autry

If the trend that started against the 49ers continues, expect Chris Reed to get the majority of the snaps at right guard over incumbent Mark Glowinski. Quenton Nelson looked rusty in San Francisco but looks to be back at 100% for the Titans’ matchup. In front of them will be a formidable duo on the interior, formed by Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry. Combined, the Titans’ interior defenders have 38 hurries and 9 sacks. For perspective, among the 5 Colts’ players with over 100 pass-rushing snaps, they have just 52 hurries and 10 sacks combined.