Six things to watch for the Titans in Sunday’s game at the Colts

NASHVILLE – The Titans face the Colts on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Here’s a look at six things to watch for in the competition:

Mason Rudolph will take over as the starting quarterback on Sunday, replacing Will Levis, who was benched this week. With three games remaining, Rudolph will look to spark a Titans team that is on its third three-game losing streak of the season. Rudolph has had some success this season in relief of Levis. In fact, the Titans are averaging 85.7 more yards per game in games started by Rudolph this season. After replacing Levis this past Sunday, Rudolph became the fourth NFL QB since 1950 with a completion percentage of 80% or higher (min. 25 attempts) and multiple passing TDs in a game he did not start. He joined Gardner Minshew II, Shane Matthews and Doug Flutie.

Can Spears keep the momentum going?

Tony Pollard has been a workhorse this season, and now he’s just 18 yards away from his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. It was Pollard’s sidekick who showed some burst on Sunday. Against the Bengals, running back Tyjae Spears became the third player in Oilers/Titans history to have a game with six or more catches, a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. The others were Chris Johnson (Week 2, 2009) and Gary Brown (Week 19, 1994). The emergence of Spears was a pleasant sight and if it can continue, it would certainly help take the burden off Pollard.

TEs want to build on success

Tight end Chig Okonkwo had a career-high eight receptions last Sunday, the most receptions by a Titans tight end since Anthony Firkser in Week 6, 2020. In addition to Okonkwo’s eight receptions, fellow tight end Josh Whyle tallied five catches against the Bengals . It was the first time the Titans had a TE with at least eight catches and another with at least five since the Tennessee Oilers did it in Week 3, 1998 at New England (Frank Wycheck – eight, Jackie Harris – six). Can the tight ends keep it going in Indy?

Defender Anthony Richardson

In the team’s Week 6 game against the Colts, the Titans faced veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. On Sunday, Anthony Richardson will be at the controls and the Titans will aim to confuse him. Richardson has the lowest completion percentage (47.0) in the NFL this season and has been pressured more than any QB in the league (41.2 percent). His pass/TD ratio is 7-11. Richardson has eight starts with a completion percentage of 50.0 or lower in 2024, which is the second-most in a season since 1990. The Titans, who allow 297.4 total yards per carry. game and 182.2 pass yards per game (both top 3 in the NFL), is bound to add to his frustration.

A question mark about Kicker

Veteran Nick Folk has been Mr. Reliable this season for the Titans. People have made 21 of his 22 field goal attempts and he is a perfect 25 of 25 on his PATs. However, people are a question mark for Sunday’s game due to an abdominal injury that has limited him in practice this week. Titans coach Brian Callahan indicated that Folk will be a game-day decision, with Brayden Narveson as the insurance policy. The Titans signed Narveson to the team’s 53-man roster off the practice squad on Saturday. “We want Brayden ready to roll if we need him,” Callahan said of Narveson, who spent the preseason at Tennessee before firing to the Packers earlier this offseason. “He has kicked in games and we will be ready to have him up if he needs it.”

Continued success in Indy?

It’s been a rough road for the Titans lately, I don’t need to give too many refresher courses on this. However, the Titans have had success in Indianapolis recently. The Titans are 5-2 in their last seven road games against the Colts, including last year’s loss at Lucas Oil Stadium. It is the Titans’ best road record since the start of the 2017 season against any team they have played more than once on the road. Two of Tennessee’s three wins this season have come on the road. In a week where some people have questioned the toughness of this team, it would be a good week to show up.