Tennessee Titans: 3 offensive keys to victory vs. Colts

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 18: Dion Lewis #33 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 18, 2018, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2a. Dion Lewis

One thing about the Colts’ Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that jumps off the film, is the Chargers utilization of RB Austin Ekeler in the passing game. It seemed like he was constantly making plays, and some of his best moments came through the air. Ekeler hauled in 6 of 7 targets for 96 yards and added two touchdowns.

Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith has got to be aware of this, right? It’s a huge mismatch for the Titans, and although RB Dion Lewis had a quiet Week 1, he is still a quick, shifty option in passing situations. Yes, I know that Derrick Henry had the 75-yard touchdown reception, but he also ran in a straight line on a play that was perfectly blocked downfield. Lewis offers a backfield option that can run some shallow routes and take advantage of the Colts’ linebacking corps.

CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 08: Damarious Randall #23 of the Cleveland Browns leans in to break up a first-quarter pass intended for Adam Humphries #10 of the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

2b. Adam Humphries

Part two of this equation: Titans’ wide receiver Adam Humphries. He was silent in the Titans’ Week 1 win in Cleveland, catching his only target for five yards. Not what Titans fans were expecting, especially after a good showing in the preseason and exhibiting quite the rapport with QB Marcus Mariota.

I hope that the gameplan in Cleveland was just so good that Arthur Smith dialed up plays designed to go elsewhere. His masterful plot, to have Humphries out-snapped by fellow receivers Tajae Sharpe and A.J. Brown. This, by the way, bewildered me. Humphries only played 36 percent of snaps, while Sharpe and Brown lined up on 49 and 43 percent of snaps, respectively. It just didn’t add up. Especially for a player they paid $36 million this offseason.

The Titans must use Humphries’ agility to their benefit this week vs. Indianapolis. Last week, Chargers WR Keenan Allen lined up in the slot on almost half of his snaps and was able to find success there. This bodes well for the former Tampa Bay Buccaneer. I’m not saying Humphries is in the same stratosphere as Allen, but the Titans have the weapons necessary to keep the Colts’ defense on their heels.

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