| Colts
Offense vs. Titans Defense The media buzz surrounding the two stand-out rookies for each team is understandable. Edgerrin James, the NFL's leading rusher with 1,553 yards on 369 carries, was the obvious choice for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Likewise, Jevon Kearse's 14.5 sacks and 57 tackles earned him similar rookie defensive honors. Both players will certainly vy to make an impact on the game for years to come. On Sunday, however, the pressure will fall squarely on the Titans' defense to contain not only Edgerrin James, but Peyton Manning and the entire potent Colt offense. Statistically, this season the Titans surrendered 96.9 yards rushing per game and 230.9 through the air. Their defensive philosophy centers around applying constant pressure to the quarterback. This theory stems from the assumption that a quarterback who is hit or hurried or consistently disrupted is more prone to make mistakes. It's a high risk, big payoff strategy that has yielded many favorable results for the Titans this year. Enter Peyton Manning. Arguably the NFL's most intelligent quarterback, Manning has the ability to read defenses quickly and correctly. He is able to change the play at the line of scrimmage or throw to his hot receiver in order to avoid the blitz, where many in his place are sacked or force ill-advised passes downfield. Coupled with the legitimate threat of gaining yardage on the ground with James, the Colts will have the opportunity to turn the Titans' agressive tendencies against them. Move the safeties up to play the run, and you leave deep routes uncovered. Double the receivers and Edgerrin James can turn the corner more easily. The unsung heroes in this scenario are, of course, the offensive lineman of the Colts. The results of their hard work, though, are easy to measure. Manning led the AFC in passing yards (4,135), James lead the league in rushing yards (1,553), and Harrison lead the league in receiving yards (1,663). Without the O-line, these individual performances would never have been possible. Sunday, Tarik Glenn, Adam Meadows, Waverly Jackson, Jeff McKinney, and Larry Moore will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a national audience and stop the onslaught of would-be Titan tacklers. Advantage: Colts |
Next Opponent when: 4:05 EST Archive: Matchups: 1999 Schedule
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Updated:
04/19/06
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