The Colts fell to the Tennessee Titans for the first time since 2011. However, outside linebacker John Simon did his part to keep Indianapolis in the game, and he is this week’s MVP of the Game.
Simon, the former fourth-round pick out of Ohio State signed a three-year, $13.5 million contract with the Colts this past off-season. He finished tonight’s game with 11 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 pass defended and an interception returned for a touchdown.
Heading into halftime, Indianapolis led Tennessee 13-9. Simon’s interception of a Marcus Mariota pass early in the third quarter put the Colts up 19-9. Adam Vinatieri would uncharacteristically miss an extra-point, keeping the lead at 10 points.
While the pic- six was huge, Simon had another great play earlier in the game. With the Titans driving on their first possession, DeMarco Murray took the hand off from Mariota and tried to bust a big run to the left behind offensive tackle Taylor Lewan. Simon, not fooled on the play, reversed field and made a great shoestring tackle saving a big gain and perhaps a game-opening touchdown for Tennessee.
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Simon was also wreaking havoc in the backfield all night. While he only recorded one sack, he got in several shots on Mariota throughout the game.
Though the Colts fell to the Titans 36-22, the final score and stats are not indicative of how well the Indianapolis defense played. Aside from the 72-yard run toward the end of the game by Derrick Henry, Simon and the Colts defense held the Titans to 3.3 yards per attempt.
Simon had a stat-stuffing defensive performance on Monday Night Football, but it unfortunately wasn’t enough to lead the Colts to victory.