Eyes in the Backfield:  Colts at Titans

Welcome to the first "Eyes in the Backfield."  Each Friday, we'll break down Sunday's game as only 18to88 can.  We'll help you pinpoint the 18 things that will determine the outcome of Sunday's contest.  

1.)  Watch for ‘swings’ from last year’s schedule.  This was a game the Colts lost last year.  A win here would be a huge step toward another 12-4 season.

2.)  Watch for at least one act of brilliance by Jeff Fisher.  He is the best game coach in the NFL.  He has no fear of doing whatever it takes to win.  His constant onside kicking against the Colts a couple of years back was the most gutty honest coaching job ever.  He again showed his genius at the end of last year's game, maneuvering of Tony Dungy into a timeout.  Never underestimate a man who actually made it to the Super Bowl with Steve McNair as his QB.

3.)  Look for the Colts to take advantage of Nick Harper in the Titans secondary.  Most likely, he’ll be matched up with #88.  He will give up at least 1 score on Sunday.  The loss of Adam Jones will hurt the Titans tremendously.

4.)  This holds true on special teams as well.  Watch for the Colts to hold their own in special teams.

5.)  Look for the Colts to play a cover 3 for most of the game, putting Bob Sanders in the box.  The Colts will be seeking to force Vince Young to throw the ball in order to beat them. 

6.)  Look for Manning to sprint to the end zone after the game and lead the crowd in singing Rocky Top.

7.)  Look for the Colts to assign someone, probably Gary Brackett to shadow Young.  The Colts didn’t figure this out until too late in the last game.

8.)  Watch the Colts to run left a lot.  Tony Ugoh looked very solid on run plays.

9.)  Watch Ed Johnson try and stop the run.  He can go a long way to establishing himself as an NFL player with a solid game this week.

10.)  The Titans have an offense virtually designed to beat the Colts.  They run a lot of cutbacks, misdirections, and traps.  Watch to see if the Colts maintain their lanes or over-pursue.

11.)  The Titans have installed a Krispy Kreme store in each end zone to motive Lendale White.  Watch for him to break off a big run whenever the HOT sign is lit up.

12.)  If the Colts jump out to a big lead and blow out the Titans, watch for the crowd reaction.  Instead of booing, most will be quietly content because Peyton played well.

13.)  If Gilbert Gardner enters the game for the Titans, watch for touchdowns by the Colts.

14.)  While we’re on the topic of former Colts: look out for Corey Simon on Sunday.  He saw limited action against Jacksonville last week and he will be looking for a chance to pay back Bill Polian by eating one of the smaller Colts, like Ben Utecht for example. 

15.)  Watch for the officials to play a part in the game.  Word on the street is that the NFL officials have been instructed to frequently call holding penalties this weekend because apparently it’s one of the rules.

16.)  Watch the sidelines. The NFL is cracking down on the use of video equipment on the sidelines.  Thankfully, this may spell the end of Jim Sorgi’s creepy habit of taping Adam Vinatieri’s every move.

17.)  Watch Vince Young try to pass.  Don’t be surprised if the Colts defense bombs the idea that “Vince Young just wins games” back to the Stone Age.  They’ve been hearing about their failure in Tennessee for a year now.  Remember:  the AFC South Revenge Tour starts Sunday.

18.)  Watch Kid Joe.  In the game last December, starter Dominic Rhodes averaged less than 3 yards per carry in his 12 attempts.  He looked awful.  Addai fared only slightly better coming off the bench.  This year, the Colts hope Addai can more effectively wear down the front seven of the Titans in the first half.