Colts: Clip of Julio Jones at first Titans practice will make fans mad

Fans in Indianapolis were once again left despondent with the Colts’ unwillingness to make a major splash after they opted against pursuing Julio Jones.

Karma doesn’t usually work this quickly (not that Indy necessarily deserved it), but it seemed fitting that they will now face Jones twice a year for the next three seasons after the Titans coughed up just a second- and fourth-rounder to acquire him from Atlanta.

The Colts had the requisite cap space to absorb Jones’ lucrative contract, though they likely would’ve had to restructure a couple of others to make it work. Regardless, they still passed on trading for a player most teams in their position wouldn’t think twice about pursuing.

Since fans are no doubt dreading the first Colts-Titans matchup in 2021, they might as well prepare for that date by taking in the initial footage of Jones in a Tennessee uniform.

The now-former Falcons superstar was on the field for the Titans’ offseason workout on Thursday, and he looked levels (plural) above the rest of his teammates.

Colts fans will hate reports from Julio Jones’ first Titans practice.

Just look at that footwork, Colts fans.

We know cornerback Xavier Rhodes has solid career numbers against Jones, but that doesn’t mean the general concerns of Jones lighting up the Colts’ defense have fully dissipated.

Some fans might be surprised to see Jones at OTAs so soon after the trade — his new jersey number was confirmed just a few days ago — and understandably so. How committed is the seven-time Pro Bowler to making a strong first impression in Tennessee?

Well, Kayla Anderson of WKRN-TV is reporting that Jones went back to Atlanta to finish packing and flew back to Nashville just a day later for Thursday’s practice.

That’s what we like to call setting the tone, and you better believe Jones busting his tail just to be available at a voluntary offseason workout resonated in the Titans’ locker room.

It’s also clear the 10-year vet wasn’t suffering from any jet leg, either, as he looked to be in midseason form during wide receiver drills. While Jones’ next-level size and speed have contributed to his success, his route-running is arguably the greatest aspect of his game.

This would hurt regardless since the Colts were perfectly positioned to land Jones, but the fact he now plays for their most hated rival, at least in terms of the last few years, and looks like pretty darn fresh in a Titans uniform, makes it sting so much more.

The worst part? The pain isn’t going away anytime soon.

At least the Colts are still the AFC South favorites, right?

Colts remaining favorites to win division after Titans-Julio Jones trade says it all

The Indianapolis Colts remain the favorites to win the AFC South despite the Tennessee Titans' acquisition of Julio Jones. Wow.