The first two weeks of the season have been far from ideal for a Titans team that won only three games last season. However, many of the factors that gave fans hope prior to the start of the 2025 campaign are still present, and some of those same factors could help Brian Callahan's team get their first W of the year. And let's face it, a win against the Colts counts for a little more.
Here are the X-factors that can help the Titans upset the Colts in Week 3.
1. The Offensive Line
Are we sick of talking about the Titans; offensive line? Yes. Does that change the fact that this unit continues to be the single biggest factor for the success- or lack thereof- for this team? No. The days of Lewan, Conklin, Roos, Mawae, etc. are long gone, but there was plenty of reason to be hopeful about this year's retooled unit.
JC Latham is out against the Colts, and the Titans' offensive tackle depth behind him is... not good. We already know that John Ojukwu is not even a capable band-aid. Guard Kevin Zeitler should play despite being questionable. Let's hope Callahan and Son have a solid plan in place.
2. The Run Defense
Everyone currently loves Daniel Jones, and many are already declaring him this year's Comeback Player of the Year. Personally, we're not big-time believers. Jones has played well, but so far the Jones-led Colts have beaten a Miami team that appears to be in free-fall, and squeaked by Denver on a second-chance field goal following a 15-yard penalty.
Johnathan Taylor is still the engine that drives that offense, and he should be the focal point of the defensive gameplan. Slowing down Taylor and making Jones win with his arm gives Tennessee the best chance on that side of the ball. The Titans received some unfortunate injury news on that front, with T'Vondre Sweat surprisingly going on IR.
3. The Running Game
While the Colts have been better than many expected this season, one apparent weakness thus far is the run defense. Sean Payton did a great job of exploiting this last week, and Brian Callahan should take a similar approach in Week 3.
Although the offensive line injuries could make running the ball more difficult, it also makes it even more critical. Cam Ward has looked great through the first two weeks, but he is still a rookie who has only played two professional games. A consistent, effective rushing attack can be a young QB's best friend, and it will help to take both literal and metaphorical pressure off of Ward. Callahan understand this, and a big day for Tony Pollard could be the key to Ward's first NFL win.