The Tennessee Titans are coming off an early bye week that many didn’t really want, but now they have a chance to improve from their 0-3 start.
This Sunday, they will face the Indianapolis Colts in their first AFC South game of the season.
“We’re 1-3, but you have a chance to quickly get back in the mix if you can win a divisional game this week,” said first-year coach Brian Callahan. “Most of the league, except for about three teams, is either 3-2, 2-3, or 2-2. So, it’s all mixed up.”
The Titans finally gave Callahan his first win on September 30 with a 31-12 victory against Miami. This game is important because they won’t play another AFC South team until November 24 when they visit last year’s division champion, Houston.
The Colts (2-3) understand how important division games are. They have already lost their first two AFC South matchups and are coming off a 37-34 loss to Jacksonville.
“You want to win championships, you’ve got to win division games,” said Indy coach Shane Steichen. “Going on the road and facing another division opponent—there’s a sense of urgency. You can feel it from the guys.”
Steichen has the advantage of having beaten Tennessee twice last year in his debut season, ending a five-game losing streak in this rivalry and contributing to Titans coach Mike Vrabel losing his job.