Colts defeat Titans, 20-17: Everything we know from Week 6

The Indianapolis Colts (3-3) pulled out a gutsy 20-17 win on the road over the Tennessee Titans (1-4) at Nissan Stadium in Week 6.

Despite being down a score going into the fourth quarter, the Colts were able to find a way into the end zone thanks to a 10-yard touchdown reception by Michael Pittman Jr. with 7:27 remaining in the game.

The Colts defense didn't register a sack with their depleted pass rush, but they stiffened up when it mattered late in the game.

This was the first road win of the season for the Colts, and their first win against a division opponent.

Colts vs. Titans game recap Week 6

Final Score: Colts 20, Titans 17

Keys to the game

• The Colts averaged just 4.1 yards per play but held the Titans to 4.4 yards per play.
• The Titans had 11 penalties for 113 yards.
• On third down, the Colts were 7-of-14 (50%) while they held the Titans to 4-of-11 (36%).
• The Colts defense allowed the Titans to enter their own territory on just 3-of-11 drives.

Stars of the Game

• WR Josh Downs: Leading the way with nine targets, Downs was active early and often. He finished with six receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown.
• S Julian Blackmon: The veteran safety came through with a big interception while adding a pass breakup.
• DE Laiatu Latu: The rookie edge rusher recorded two quarterback hits and multiple pressures.

Biggest takeaway

To quote the great Dom Toretto, "It doesn't matter if you win by and inch or a mile, winning is winning." This was as sloppy of a win as it gets, but it's a win. The Titans offense is not very good, and Gus Bradley's defense still has issues with tackling and communication. It was a valiant effort against the pass, but the run defense continues to be a massive liability.

Meanwhile, the offense with Joe Flacco is still explosive, but he's had some questionable drives. Still, he got the job done when it mattered in the fourth quarter. A win is a win, and the Colts could be getting healthier soon. But this was far from a dominant outing.

Quick Hits

• The Colts cored a touchdown on their opening drive in their third consecutive game for the first time since 2020 (Weeks 15-17).
• Since 2023, the Colts have 18 games with at least 20 points scored, tied for fourth most in the NFL during that span.
• With Jonathan Taylor (ankle) out, Trey Sermon led the way with 18 rushing attempts for 29 yards. Meanwhile, Tyler Goodson had eight carries for 51 rushing yards.
• Matt Gay converted both of his field-goal attempts from 26 and 22 yards, respectively.
• The Colts held Calvin Ridley to no receptions on eight targets.
• The Colts defense did not allow the Titans to cross the 50-yard line during the entire fourth quarter.
• According to Next Gen Stats, Joe Flacco relied heavily on the quick passing game, recording his quickest time to throw (2.32 seconds) since Week 10, 2021 (2.21 seconds).
• The Colts allowed Tony Pollard to run for 93 yards on 17 carries with a rush success rate of 58.8%, the fifth-highest mark of his career (Next Gen Stats).

Injuries

• QB Anthony Richardson (oblique) was inactive but was named the emergency third quarterback.
• RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) was inactive for the second straight game.
• C Ryan Kelly (calf) suffered an injury during the second half and was ruled out during the fourth quarter.
• DE Dayo Odeyingbo (hamstring) exited the game in the first half but returned in the third quarter.

What’s next?

The Colts are back home to host the Miami Dolphins (2-3) at Lucas Oil Stadium at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20.