Tennessee Titans are better than the Indianapolis Colts
By Brady Akins
![INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 01: Kevin Byard #31 of the Tennessee Titans delivers a stiff arm on Mo Alie-Cox #81 of the Indianapolis Colts as he runs with an interception during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tennessee defeats Indianapolis 31-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 01: Kevin Byard #31 of the Tennessee Titans delivers a stiff arm on Mo Alie-Cox #81 of the Indianapolis Colts as he runs with an interception during the third quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tennessee defeats Indianapolis 31-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Ftitansized-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2016-2F04-2F1191799418-850x560-cd68a951985525cae4eb14697591bf299b3b1391d6ece4262badfc1bcb05f397.jpg)
Jeffery Simmons and Daquan Jones Can Stop The Running Game
Jeffery Simmons got the chance to play the Colts in Week 13, the second meeting between the two teams, but the first chance Simmons had to play them. In addition to pulling off one highlight-reel play against All-Pro guard, Quenton Nelson— Simmons and the Titans defense held the Colts’ running game to just 82 yards.
It should go without saying that Simmons wasn’t solely responsible for shutting down the Colts running attack, especially while Indianapolis was without the help of their starting running back Marlon Mack. But it is worth noting how effective the Titans were in slowing down Indianapolis’ rushing attack– especially when so much of their gameplan on offense involves establishing the run.
The defensive line used to be a weakness for the Titans, but with the emergence of Simmons and the quietly exceptional play of Daquan Jones on the interior defensive line, Tennessee is now equipped to slow down the greatest asset of the Colts’ offense. Even with the addition of Jonathan Taylor to Indianapolis’ backfield, a duo like Simmons and Jones wrecking a the offensive line with the help of two great linebackers like Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans could keep the Colts running game from getting off the ground.
And if the Colts can’t get the running game off the ground, the rest of the offense might fall into a similar struggle. Indianapolis wants to run the ball at you, similar to the Titans. And if they can’t, Tennessee might be able to take charge, build up a lead and not look back.