Jonathan Taylor Runs All Over Titans as They Fall to the Colts Again
Similar to last week’s game against the New England Patriots, the Tennessee Titans kept things close in the first half of their Week 8 game against the Indianapolis Colts.
In fact, they were a Joey Slye 58-yard field goal away from going into the half only down by one score.
But also just like the Patriots game, the Titans imploded in the second half and the Colts literally and figuratively ran away with the game, winning 38-14.
Jonathan Taylor loves playing against the Titans. He ran for 153 yards and two touchdowns, while adding two catches for 21 yards and a receiving touchdown as well this week. And in the Colts' Week 3 matchup with the Titans, Taylor ran for over 100 yards and three touchdowns.
That’s six touchdowns for Taylor against the Titans this season. The Titans have scored nine touchdowns. All season.
Cam Ward was inconsistent as usual on Sunday, going 22/38 for 259 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
His touchdown pass was to Gunnar Helm, which was his first NFL score.
Helm continues to establish himself as a reliable receiving option, as do fellow rookies Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor.
Dike and Ayomanor led the way for the Titans in receiving yards, as the team was once again without Calvin Ridley due to injury. Dike had seven catches for 93 yards, and Ayomanor had four catches for 52 yards. Helm had two catches for 23 yards and the touchdown.
The Titans’ other score came from Tyjae Spears, his first since coming back from injury. He seems to be regaining his form as he led the way for the Titans in rushing with 59 yards.
The Titans’ defense continued to struggle. Aside from Taylor’s big day, Daniel Jones threw for 272 yards and 3 TDs.
This continues to be a trying season for the Titans and their fanbase. Some say Cam Ward’s development is being wasted, but the truth is, growing pains were expected, and Ward should learn and grow in a season like this, where the stakes are relatively low in terms of whether he wins games.
Obviously, the team and their fans want to see more wins, but that was not the expectation. This roster needs a makeover, and they need a new head coach, too.
The only good news is that the Titans seem to be building a young offensive core with Ward, Spears, and his rookie receiving options. The defense has some good pieces, including Cedric Gray, Cody Barton, Amani Hooker, and Jeffery Simmons (who missed the Colts game through injury).
Veteran players like Ridley could be moved before the trade deadline, but regardless, the Titans have some of the building blocks for success. They are just missing some very important pieces, including a head coach with experience who can guide this young team forward.