Week 6 Results and Their Effect on the AFC South Playoff Race

Indianapolis Colts

Week 6 Results: Defeated by the Titans 36-22

What it Means: Although the Colts kept the game close for the first three quarters on Monday, the roster couldn’t hold up against the Titans’ for four full quarters even though they were gifted a score via an uncharacteristic interception from Marcus Mariota by John Simon that was returned for a touchdown. Jacoby Brissett played well, but not well enough to carry this depleted roster to a win. T.Y. Hilton could not get into a rhythm and take over the game. The crux of the issue is that without Andrew Luck putting the team on his back, this rebuilding roster can not win against a competent team (not the 49ers or Browns). As previously mentioned, Luck suffered yet another setback in his recovery, which has some calling for the Colts to shut him down for the season.

Outside of their pick six on a great play by Simon, the Colts pass defense allowed an immobile Mariota to stand in the pocket and fire passes to all levels of the field. Eric Decker seemed to be open on almost every other play for Tennessee. The Titans also managed to gain 171 yards on the ground with two scores. The Colts still need an injection of talent on the defensive side of the ball. A Titans offense limited by Mariota’s hamstring embarrassed the Colts. The offense under Brissett has impressed without ever standing out, and it could become a force to be reckoned with if Luck ever sees the field. Colts fans may be disappointed, but it might be best for the Colts if they gave up on this season, allowed Luck to heal, and secured a high draft spot to find more young players in the draft.

What’s Next: The Colts face a Jaguars team that is due for a stellar performance. Jacksonville has alternated dominant wins and embarrassing losses. Jacksonville’s one weakness has been against the run, but Indianapolis has not excelled in that regard and Indianapolis just gave up 171 yards to a hard-nosed Tennessee rushing attack. And now they face Leonard Fournette, who has been one of the best rookies this season thanks to his powerful, physical rushing style. The Colts will likely be run over in Week 6, further decreasing their playoff odds.