FINAL: Indianapolis Colts defeat Tennessee Titans, 22-14
By Evan Reller
Dec 1, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri kicks a field goal against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
After getting blown out on the road last week, the Indianapolis Colts returned home to face a familiar foe. The Colts managed to outlast the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, 22-14.
It took five field goals from Adam Vinatieri to keep the game close through three quarters. A dominating drive six minute drive late in the fourth quarter ended with Donald Brown sneaking into the end zone to give Indy the eight point lead.
The defense would take the field to deliver the knockout blow. After giving up a deep passing play, Ryan Fitzpatrick threw his third interception of the day this time to linebacker Jerrell Freeman. The Colts took the field in the victory formation with 30 seconds left to play.
The offense sputtered all day, but the defense played a very solid game. They forced four turnovers (all from Fitzpatrick) and utilized the bend-don’t-break style of defense to its fullest.
Andrew Luck struggled behind a porous offensive line Sunday afternoon. Luck was sacked five times, and suffered eight hits from the Tennessee defensive line. While he got no help from his line, Luck also had a tendency to hold to ball for too long and make things easier on the pass rushers. Luck had two fumbles as a result of the pass rush, but didn’t lose either of them.
Luck completed 17-of-32 passes for 200 yards and threw an interception. He also scrambled five times and gained 42 yards on the ground.
Brown got the start over Trent Richardson, who has been struggling since he came to Indianapolis. Brown had 54 yards and the game sealing TD off 14 carries.
Cornerback Cassius Vaughn had two interceptions. Robert Mathis had another strip-sack that set the Colts up with great field position, but turned into nothing.
Darrius Heyward-Bey earned the ire of the fans after dropping a wide open, perfectly thrown pass. He also lost 11 yards on an end around play. He finished the day with one catch for 23 yards.
Up next for the Colts is a short trip to face the Cincinnati Bengals.
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