Matchups to Watch Revisited: Week 8 vs. Titans

Rock Ya-Sin vs. A.J. Brown

In the end, it was Xavier Rhodes who ended up covering A.J. Brown most of the game. Brown beat Rhodes in his long touchdown catch, and there were several other plays where Rhodes was just soft. I can look over the occasional lack of interest at tackling if you are a guy like Stephon Gilmore or Jalen Ramsey, but for Xavier Rhodes, it was inexcusable. CB1 is a big need for the Colts this offseason, as Rhodes clearly is not one.

Kwity Paye vs. Taylor Lewan

2 hurries and a tackle for Kwity Paye, in what was yet another tough game for the rookie. The potential and the tools are clearly there, but so far Paye has not been consistent in his production, as is to be expected from a rookie edge rusher that was certainly raw coming out of college.

Michael Pittman Jr. vs. Titans’ cornerbacks

MPJ had himself yet another impressive game, grabbing 2 early touchdowns, and catching a jump ball between 5 Titans’ players late in the game to keep the game-tying drive alive. Tennessee is clearly missing Kristian Fulton, as Jackrabbit Jenkins and Elijah Molden are struggling to fill the hole left by the second-year cornerback out of LSU.

Eric Fisher vs. Bud Dupree/Harold Landry

Finally a solid game from Eric Fisher, one that makes you realize why Chris Ballard went after him in the first place. Fisher held his own against two really good edge rushers in Bud Dupree and Harold Landry, allowing just two hurries on Carson Wentz.

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

Tough outing for the Colts’ offensive guards, as Nelson allowed 2 hurries and a hit, while Reed allowed 4 hurries and a hit. The Colts struggled to impose their dominance in the interior, and most of the pressure yesterday came from inside the pocket. Chris Reed is probably still adjusting to playing right guard, and Quenton Nelson is still getting back to 100% after his injury, so such a bad performance is no reason to worry just yet.