The Indianapolis Colts are struggling against the Tennessee Titans and a big reason why is that Indy can’t run the ball with Jonathan Taylor.
In Week 3, the Indianapolis Colts got their first win of the season. The hope was that Indy would be able to use that win as a stepping stone and start playing better football. So far, that has not been the case in Week 4. The Colts are struggling against the Tennessee Titans losing 24-10 at halftime.
There were plenty of problems in the first half. Matt Ryan turning the ball over twice and the defense uncharacteristically not being able to stop the run were some big issues. However, the biggest problem is that the Colts have been unable to establish its run game.
While Jonathan Taylor was relatively quiet in Weeks 2 and 3, his struggle to get going against the Tennessee Titans is especially concerning because Tennessee has been one of the worst run defenses this season.
Colts should be able to run the ball against the Titans
Entering Sunday’s game, Tennessee is allowing 145 rushing yards a game. That’s 29th in the NFL. The Titans have allowed the New York Giants, Buffalo Bills, and Las Vegas Raiders all to have successful days on the ground. However, Indy hasn’t been able to find that same success.
In the first half, Jonathan Taylor has 11 carries for 19 yards. That’s just 1.7 yards a carry. Sure the Titans are selling out to stop the run because they know that’s what Indy wants to do but that’s not an excuse. With the names on the offensive line that the Colts have and Jonathan Taylor in the backfield, it’s unacceptable for Indy not to be able to run the ball against a defense of Tennessee’s caliber.
To make matters worse, Indianapolis’ defense, the third-ranked rushing defense in the NFL, has looked absolutely helpless against Derrick Henry, allowing 99 rushing yards on 14 carries to Henry in the first half. If the Colts are going to find a way to win this game, and have any type of success this season, they’re going to have to find their run game.
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