INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts cruised to a 38-14 win over AFC South foe Tennessee Titans, improving to 7-1 on the season, remaining in first place in the AFC.
Here are the winners and losers from Sunday’s blowout win.
Winner: Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts
JT for MVP? Week after week, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor cements himself as one of the best players — regardless of position — in the NFL. Taylor dominated the Titans, amassing 174 yards and three touchdowns. He scampered for an 18-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Broke free down the left side of the field, tight roping the sideline and somehow staying in bounds 80 yards en route to the end zone in the third. He capped his night with a jet sweep touchdown catch in the fourth. Taylor’s on pace to win the rushing triple crown as the NFL leader in attempts, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He’d be the first player to achieve the feat since Derrick Henry in 2020 with the Tennessee Titans.
Winner: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Colts
Michael Pittman Jr. is enjoying a bounce back season with first-year starter Daniel Jones throwing him the ball. The former USC star showed off his contested catch skills, battling cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis for a 50/50 ball in the end zone for a touchdown in the first quarter. Pittman’s six touchdowns tie his career-high set in 2021. Against the Titans, Pittman relied on his toughness and strong hands to make catches in traffic. He finished with eight catches 95 yards.
Winner: Chimere Dike, WR, Titans
With receiver Calvin Ridley out with an injury, fourth-round rookie Chimere Dike moonlighted as the Titans’ No. 1 option. Dike had multiple pass plays schemed up for him, allowing him to use his speed to exploit mismatches. His first-read targets show he’s earned the trust of the Titans’ coaching staff and quarterback Cam Ward. Dike finished with a team-high seven catches for 93 yards. He added a rush for one yard.
Loser: Cam Ward, QB, Titans
Sunday’s loss moves the Titans to 1-7, tying the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets for last place in the league. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, Ward was expected to go to a bad team. The Titans’ current season is going surprisingly bad, with head coach Brian Callahan getting fired midseason, setting up Ward to have two coaches in two years without many signs of improvement looming. Ward’s play has improved of late, but the Titans aren’t getting any closer to winning games.
Loser: The Colts pass rush
On a day where the Colts defense allowed just seven points, the pass rush was not very effective getting to Ward early on. Ward was sacked four times on 32 attempts, once a zone blitz with cornerback Kenny Moore II splitting a sack with defensive end Liatu Latu, once on a strong individual effort from DeFortest Buckner and twice when Ward held the ball too long outside of the pocket, taking sacks from Adetomiwa Adebawore and Neville Gallimore. When the Colts did get home with pressure, they struggled to bring down Ward, allowing him to scramble and escape the pocket. Buckner leads the Colts with four sacks. If the Colts want to increase their chances at a deep playoff run, adding to their pass rush at the trade deadline is a must.
Loser: Tyler Warren, TE, Colts
On National Tight Ends Day, Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren could not get in the end zone. Warren finished with four catches for 53 yards, a solid day for most, but not quite the breakout performance expected from Warren on this revered national holiday.
