The box score doesn't show it, but rookie quarterback Cam Ward has been incredible in his first two games with the Tennessee Titans. That means Brian Callahan needs to turn the ball over to Ward this weekend and really let him let loose right...right?
Well, not exactly. While the Titans should have more confidence in their passing game than at any point in the Callahan era to date, the smart coaching decision would be to lean on the running game in Week 3 against this Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
When it comes to yards per carry allowed, the Colts are the third-worst unit in the NFL, and that was on full display in their Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Titans need to exploit Colts' defensive liability in Week 3
Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins did a great job running through arm tackles and finding wide-open cutback lanes to take advantage of the Colts' struggles. Outside of a few goal-line carries where the Colts held their ground, Dobbins gashed Lou Anarumo's defense at will.
That should be music to the ears of the Titans offense. This should mean a big day is coming for Tony Pollard, who could have had his first 100-plus yard game of the season in Week 2 if the right side of the offensive line hadn't gotten banged up.
Speaking of which, all of this gets a little less exciting if the Titans don't have Kevin Zeitler and J.C. Latham together at right guard and right tackle. Those two need to be on the field protecting Ward and paving a way for Pollard if this offense is going to keep improving.
If the Titans can get the running game going, that will open more windows for play-action passes. There will be a lot of talk this week about how well Ward has done when using play-action concepts (70% completion percentage). Hopefully the number of play-action passes rises this week, especially if the run game can keep them out of 2nd-and-long.
This would be the perfect game for rookie running back Kalel Mullings to make his debut. His physical running style would be a pain for the Colts. Several players in their secondary are struggling with injuries, and the Broncos showed that if you can get past the defensive line, their second-and-third-level defenders aren't doing a great job sticking their nose in the run game.
The Titans offense improved in Week 2, moving the ball with more efficiency in the running game and creating more explosive plays through the air. If they can capitalize on the Colts' ground-game weakness, they could take another step forward and finally demonstrate that they have a sound game plan.