Titans @ Colts
Final Score: Titans 24, Colts 17
Writer: Kenny Hyttenhove (@thelastbelgians on Twitter)
The Titans and Colts’ offenses entered the week as mirrors of each other on offense. The Titans were one of the league’s best first-half offenses, while the Colts, perpetual slow starters, were one of the worst. When it comes to the second half of games, the Colts are one of the best offenses, and the Titans are one of the worst. This scenario played out in Lucas Oil Stadium, with the Titans reaching a 24-10 lead at the half. Ryan Tannehill was efficient, hitting Robert Woods and rookie tight end Chig Okokwo for touchdowns. However, most of the Titans’ offense ran through Derrick Henry. Henry finished the half with 99 yards rushing.
To begin the half, the Colt’s defense tightened up, forcing three straight three-and-outs. The Colt’s offense started to pick up steam while running through the tight ends Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson. Rookie wide receiver Alec Pierce continued to grow into the offense and demonstrate his big play ability. Matt Ryan was able to stay upright this week, which resulted in his second 350-yard passing game of the season. However, Ryan continued his turnover issues with an interception and his ninth fumble of the year, which contributed significantly to the eventual 24-17 loss.
Titans
Quarterback
Ryan Tannehill: 17/21, 137 Yards, 2 TD | 5 Carries, 9 Yards
Ryan Tannehill was efficient, if not unspectacular in the victory over the Colts. He distributed the ball to his receivers evenly, starting the game 5/5 with a reception to five different receivers. Tannehill’s mobility was helpful when moving within the pocket, but he did not break off any big runs on Sunday. Tannehill has not given much of a floor with his scrambling ability, even dating back to last season. With the lack of rushing attempts and explosive weapons at skill positions, Tannehill remains a QB you can win with in real-life football but someone to avoid in fantasy.
Running Back
Derrick Henry: 22 Carries, 114 Yards, TD | 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 33 Yards
This AFC South matchup presented what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object. Tennesee Titan’s running back Derrick Henry matched up against the top-3 Indianapolis Colts defense in rushing yards allowed. Henry’s unstoppable force barreled through the Colts’ defense, especially in the first half, to put the Titans over the top on Sunday.
This game has been circled since the NFL schedule release for teams RTDB and Establish the Run. Two heavyweights in the running back division, Derrick Henry and Jonathan Taylor, went toe-to-toe in Lucas Oil Stadium, and King Henry would not cede his throne. Henry had multiple explosive plays of over 20 yards on the day. One came on a 22-yard screen that ended with a 29-yard touchdown run where Henry ran in untouched by Colts defenders.
Derrick Henry in the first quarter:
1 reception for 22 yards
5 carries for 40 yards
1 rushing touchdown
66 all-purpose yards
👑👑👑#Titans lead 14-0 🙌 pic.twitter.com/5ur1EidYaX— Titans Radio (@TitansRadio) October 2, 2022
The Titans have targeted Henry out of the backfield for the last two weeks at least five times. Even though he does not have the softest hands, the opportunities to get him in space to build up a head of steam should appeal to fantasy managers. Henry has the ceiling to be the RB1 again in fantasy with the added floor from targets.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Robert Woods: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 30 Yards, TD
Treylon Burks: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 14 Yards | 1 Carry, 4 Yards
Chigoziem Okonkwo: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 38 Yards, TD
Kyle Philips: 1 Target
Dontrell Hilliard: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 18 Yards
Austin Hooper: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 4 Yards
Robert Woods played the role of Mr. Reliable in the efficient Titans offense on Sunday. The sure-handed receiver did not account for any explosive plays, but he did not need to. He helped move the chains and caught the game’s first touchdown for Tennesee. He will continue to be a touchdown-dependent WR4 in fantasy leagues.
Robert Woods with a Touchdown 🤩🔥pic.twitter.com/UW1ejnENHO
— Titans DieHards (@TitansDieHards) October 2, 2022
Rookie wide receiver Treylon Burks did not pop in this game. According to PFF, he saw a second straight game above the 60% snap share threshold. Burks is getting opportunities when they can. The Titans also got him the ball out of the backfield. Unfortunately, Burks left the game early with an ankle injury. His status for next week should be monitored.
Rookie tight end Chig Okonkwo made the most of his opportunities on Sunday. He was targeted three times on the day, with one of those targets coming within the Colts’ 10-yard line. He capitalized by scoring an eight-yard touchdown. Tannehill also showed trust in Okonkwo by throwing to him on a third and two routes out of the backfield. The catch resulted in the game-sealing first down for the Titans.
Ballgame. #Colts#ForTheShoe#Titans#TENvsIND pic.twitter.com/DntFHrax3Q
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) October 2, 2022
With Burks’ injury. The Titans will likely lean even more on the run, but Okonkwo is an athletic tight end that may continue to see his opportunities increase in the coming weeks. He’s not someone you need to spend your FAAB on this week’s waivers, but monitor his usage in Week 5 to see if it trends upwards.
Colts
Quarterback
Matt Ryan: 27/37, 356 Yards, 2 TD, INT | 2 Carries, -4 Yards, 1 Fumble (Lost)
Matt Ryan was efficient once the Colt’s offense got into a rhythm.
Matt Ryan’s Passing Chart for today:
When he got the throw off/wasn’t batted at the LOS, Matt Ryan was really good today pic.twitter.com/dRvgZyYV4v
— Jay Robins 🧾mark (@RobinsLucas) October 2, 2022
Ryan extended plays by maneuvering in the pocket and finding open receivers. He was remarkably accurate on crossers running over the middle of the field. An area of the field he has excelled in throughout his career.
one of my favorite stats I came across doing this article.
No one likes throwing over the middle of the field more than Matt Ryan, regardless of scheme or personnel.
The Colts feature quite a few XXL-sized targets. Could be a fun stylistic fit in Indy. pic.twitter.com/G4pf0FgdhV
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) July 27, 2022
Ryan continued to spread the ball around to different receivers. Since Week 1, when Ryan targeted wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. 13 times, Ryan has not targeted another wide receiver or tight end more than nine times in a game. With the Colts continuing to play from behind, Ryan may be forced to throw often. If he can mitigate the turnovers, he could be a nice QB2 or streaming option as bye weeks start in Week 6.
Running Back
Jonathan Taylor: 20 Carries, 42 Yards | 3 Targets, 1 Reception, 1 Yard | 1 Fumble (Lost)
Nyheim Hines: 1 Carry | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 3 Yards
Jonathan Taylor was largely ineffective. Taylor will always get his opportunities, but the explosive plays have not been there through four games. Last season he led the league with 21 breakaway runs of over 15 yards, or 6.9% of his runs. So far in 2022, he’s only had three or about 4.9% of his carries.
Unfortunately, he ended his day with a fumble on third and inches that sealed the game early in the fourth quarter. To make matters worse, Taylor was rolled up on in the scrum, injuring his ankle. He would not return, leaving an uneasy feeling in fantasy manager’s stomachs with a quick turn-around for a Thursday Night showdown with the Denver Broncos next week.
I hate everything. #Colts#ForTheShoe#Titans#TENvsIND pic.twitter.com/BKabSK8UF8
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) October 2, 2022
It was another frustrating week for Nyheim Hines and his fantasy managers. The Colts have struggled to find ways to get him the ball. The Titans treated him as a receiver all day. They matched him with defensive backs instead of the linebackers to avoid advantageous matchups for the Colts. Frustrated fantasy managers may need to wait one more week before hitting the drop button. With Jonathan Taylor’s ankle injury, Hines may get the start on a short week when the Colts take on the Broncos next Thursday. Denver just gave up a big fantasy day to Josh Jacobs, so the matchup could be good if the Colts make more progress with their offensive line.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Michael Pittman Jr.: 6 Targets, 3 Receptions, 31 Yards
Alec Pierce: 6 Targets, 4 Receptions, 80 Yards
Parris Campbell: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 43 Yards
Ashton Dulin: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 18 Yards
Mike Strachan: 1 Target
Mo Alie-Cox: 6 Targets, 6 Receptions, 85 Yards, 2 TD
Kylen Granson: 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 62 Yards
Jelani Woods: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 33 Yards
The tight ends were the heartbeat of the Colt’s offense this week. Matt Ryan’s love for the middle of the field has meshed well with the large targets the Colts trot out at the tight end position. After a two-touchdown performance by rookie tight end Jelani Woods in Week 3, it was Mo Alie-Cox‘s turn. He was targeted six times, two of which came in the red zone and ended with touchdowns. Sunday was Mo Alie-Cox’s day, but Kylen Granson leads the tight ends in targets and has the better run-after-the-catch ability. Jelani Woods is a mix of both Cox and Granson. Woods has a large catch radius and can move (he nearly scored on his one reception today). He also came in on goal line situations within the 10-yard line on Sunday. He would be the tight end to watch in this offense as his role continues to grow in the Colt’s offense.
COLTS TOUCHDOWN‼
Mo Alie-Cox is just too strong 💪pic.twitter.com/jZwnt445ZY
— Colts Nation (@ColtsNationCP) October 2, 2022
Although it was a disappointing day in the fantasy points department for Michael Pittman Jr., he did lead the team with six targets. Two of those targets happened on consecutive plays within the 10-yard line. Matt Ryan made two poor throws that were late getting out. As a result, Pittman could not get his feet into the endzone. The opportunities are there for Pittman as he leads the team in targets this season. Be patient and stash him if you have the room until the Colts’ offense gets more consistent.
Coming to challenge Pittman is rookie wide receiver, Alec Pierce. After a slow start to the year, Pierce has shown a growing rapport with quarterback Matt Ryan. Pierce is a big-bodied receiver that excels in with contested catches. Pierce had an explosive 25-yard back-shoulder catch on third and three in the third quarter. The catch had Pierce looking back into the sun, but he pulled it down to keep a drive alive that would eventually result in a Colts touchdown. Pierce is a big play threat that may be worth a stash at the end of your bench.