My Thoughts Going into Tennessee

This week has been a busy week for former Colts players, as well as the current team. Chris has done a great job churning out a few blogs this week to recap the goings on's of this week, but I want to give some of my thoughts as well as provide a quick preview for the game this week.

Colts kicker Adam Vinateri kicking a field goal in a game last season. Photo Courtesy of Sports Illustrated.

First thing first, Vinny looked bad last week, like really bad. He missed two field goals and an extra point. He makes any of those kicks and the Colts win. It was disheartening. I love Adam and I hope he never retires, but it definitely began to raise some questions for me. Coach Reich is still confident, though, and Vinatieri, the Colts longest tenured and the league's eldest player, took accountability for it, noticed some mechanics issues he needed to fix, kicked twice this week to fix said issues and looked good while doing it (according to several reporters who were present). I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried, but hopefully the problems are fixed and they don't jump up and bite us again this season.

Next, the Colts lost their de facto number two receiver, Devin Funchess for an unknown amount of time due to a broken collarbone. He was placed on injured reserve which means he will definitely miss eight weeks so we will likely not see him again until at least week ten. Chris discussed the possibility of the Colts picking up a new receiver to replace Funchess in his blog, but I am here to tell you that that will definitively not happen (Which Chris agrees with). This is the first time in what feels like decades the Colts actually have depth in the receiver room.

Colts WR Deon Cain in a preseason game against the Chicago Bears. Photo Courtesy of Stampede Blue.

The Colts have promising young receivers who are hungry to fill the role of The Ghost's second fiddle in Deon Cain and Parris Campbell. I also love Zach Pascal who played a major role down the stretch for the Colts last year. I think Chris Ballard and I are on the same page, too, as he signed Ronald Milligan, a safety, to fill Funchess's roster spot. Milligan fills a need for the Colts as the Colts' special teams unit looked terrible on kick coverage last Sunday. He could also help with run support on defense, another area they seemed to struggle last week.

Then this week, the NFL Hall of Fame announced their initial list of candidates for the 2020 class, 11 of the candidates are former Colts including past finalist Edgerrin James and first time nominee Reggie Wayne. This is exciting as a Colts fan since there are so many nominees from the Colts hey day with Peyton at QB. Edge, Reggie, Dallas Clark, Jeff Saturday, and Bob Sanders all played pivotal roles in those years and arguments could be made for each as the Colts' best player at their respective positions.

Colts offensive lineman Chris Hinton was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Photo Courtesy of Indiana Sports Coverage.

Chris Hinton, a guard, also played a pivotal role in Colts history as he was part of the return the Colts received from the Broncos in return for the rights to Hall of Fame QB, John Elway. Hinton was seven-time pro bowler and a three-time all-pro. He was pretty good, but I think the Broncos won that trade. Ray Donaldson, a center, was a six-time pro bowler and is believed to be the NFL's first African American starting center. He also won a Super Bowl with the 1995 Cowboys. Rohn Stark, a punter, was a second round draft pick, four-time pro bowler, and a one-time all-pro. Simeon Rice, Josh Cribbs, and Cornelius Bennett also all spent time with the team and are up for the Hall this year. This year's list of Hall nominees truly highlights the history of NFL football in Indianapolis. Edge, Reggie, Dallas, Jeff, and Bob all highlight the Colts teams of the 2000's that were historically dominant while Hinton, Donaldson, and Stark all highlight the transition years following the move from Baltimore to Indianapolis.

Finally, this weekend the Colts play the Tennessee Titans in Nashville on Sunday and the Titans induct two of their greats, Eddie George and the late Steve McNair, into their ring of honor. This gives the Titans something extra to play for while they celebrate, potentially, their two greatest players since moving to Tennessee. McNair and George both played pivotal roles in the team's transition from the Houston Oilers to the Tennessee Titans. I don't think any of that matters though when it comes to the actual game against the Colts.

Titans RB Derrick Henry scored a TD on a seventy-five yard screen pass against the Brown. Photo Courtesy of Cleveland.com

Outside of motivation, I think the Colts have the advantage at almost every single position. The Colts edge rushers should have a good game with the Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan being suspended this week. Marcus Mariota is mediocre at best. The Titans corners are good but I believe TY, Campbell, Cain, Ebron, and Doyle should be able to take their lunch. The Titans receivers are kind of trash. Cory Davis is big and fast but Pierre Desir/Rock Ya-Sin/Quincy Wilson should lock him down. AJ Brown will be good, I think, but he's a rookie and I don't think he'll have much luck against the Colts corners. Also, Kenny Moore against Adam Humphries in the slot should be funny (if you're a Colts fan). Delanie Walker kind of scares me, he's VERY good but also VERY old. I also love Derrick Henry, I wish he played any where but in the division (or on the Patriots) because he is SO GOOD. I think the defense comes out hungry and makes up for their poor game last week by limiting Henry and the Titans offense while forcing a few turnovers. Darius Leonard, who gave himself an "F" for his performance last week, will return to form and be dominant and Malik Hooker will make a play or two while shutting down the deep ball.

I don't see any way the Colts don't win this game. They should have beaten Los Angeles last week, and they almost did, but this Tennessee team is far inferior to that Chargers team. The Colts are good. I do think the motivation factor and the fact this game is in Tennessee helps the Titans keep it close, but the Colts will prevail 31-24.