Indianapolis Colts Connections: Week 6 vs Tennessee Titans
By Drew Koch
This week our “Colts Connections” do not run too deep, but let’s take a look at players for the Colts and Titans gearing up to face off against their former team.
Linebacker Erik Walden
Former Colt Erik Walden was selected in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. This Monday night Walden will suit up for the Tennessee Titans as the primary backup outside linebacker behind Brian Orakpo.
Walden gained some notoriety for his skill early on in his career and snagged a starting role with Green Bay in 2011 where he was a member of the Packers during their Super Bowl winning season. After two-plus years playing opposite Clay Matthews, Walden signed a free agent deal with Indianapolis in 2013.
After signing the four-year $16-million contract with the Colts, Walden started in 60 of the 61 games in which he played. He had a career year in 2016, recording 42 tackles, 11 quarterback sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Walden was rewarded with a contract this past offseason from the Titans.
Walden has 6 tackles, 1 sack and a fumble recovery thus far in 2017.
Defensive Tackle Al Woods
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Al Woods has brought some bulk to the Indianapolis defensive front. At 6’4″, 330 lbs., the former Titan has helped solidify the Colts’ run defense. Known for his prowess as a run-stuffer, the big-bodied nose tackle from from LSU has racked up 9 tackles and 1 sack on this young season.
A former fourth-round pick of the New Orleans Saints, Woods has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans. Playing for the Titans from 2014-2016, Woods’ three-year stint in Nashville was his longest tenure with any team. During that time he logged 66 tackles and 1 sack.