Colts grind out 20-17 victory over Titans as Michael Pittman Jr. secures another winner in Tennessee

Despite reports that receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was destined to miss time while dealing with a back injury, he fought through the discomfort and caught another go-ahead touchdown to lift the Colts to a road win in Tennessee for the second consecutive season. 

With Indianapolis’ franchise quarterback inactive for load and risk management, the Colts emerged victorious over the Tennessee Titans 20-17 to earn their first divisional win of the season. It’s never a must-win without starting quarterback Anthony Richardson and starting running back Jonathan Taylor, but the Colts (3-3) managed to avoid an 0-3 start against divisional opponents to gain ground in the AFC standings.

Despite reports that receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was destined to miss time while dealing with a back injury, he fought through the discomfort and caught another go-ahead touchdown to lift the Colts to a road win in Tennessee for the second consecutive season. Facing third-and-9 inside the 10-yard-line midway through the fourth quarter, Flacco lofted a jump ball in the end zone and Pittman hauled it in over Titans’ cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to give the Colts the lead, which they would not relinquish.

Indianapolis converted three consecutive third down opportunities on its first drive while leaning on its complimentary rushing attack. Flacco connected with Mo Ali-Cox over the middle for a 22-yard reception to threaten just outside the red zone. After Titans’ safety Quandre Diggs suffered an injury, Flacco targeted his replacement Mike Brown, who just came onto the field for his first defensive snap of the season. Receiver Josh Downs faked the out route and burned him up the sidelines for a 22-yard touchdown to give the Colts a 7-0 lead. Downs led the Colts with seven catches on nine targets for 66 receiving yards and a TD, while returning four punts for 67 yards. It’s the third consecutive game the Colts have scored on their opening drive.

After the Colts forced a three and out on the Titans first possession, Indianapolis’ drive lasted two plays as Flacco sailed his throw over the head of Pittman and into the chest of Titans’ safety Amani Hooker. Tennessee needed just three plays to capitalize on the turnover as QB Will Levis took advantage of another busted coverage and receiver found Nick Westbrook-Ikhine wide open in the end zone for a 9-yard TD to tie it up at 7-7.

Colts running back Tyler Goodson burst outside for a career-long 33-yard gain to breach the red zone just before the two minute warning, which set up Matt Gay for a 26-yard field goal to tie the game at 10-10. Flacco bounced back from three turnover-worthy plays in the first half and finished 22-of-38 passing for 189 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. His streak of eight consecutive games with two TD passes is tied with Packers’ QB Jordan Love for the longest streak in the league.

Indianapolis’ defense allowed a season-best 241 total net yards, while limiting Levis to just 95 passing yards and denied receiver Calivn Ridley from making a single catch on eight targets. Credit is due for the much maligned defense stepping up in the final frame with the game on the line. The Colts have forced a turnover in five consecutive games.