Johnson, White will run wild over banged-up Colts
By Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.
Friday, October 24, 2008
<TABLE cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width=552 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="100%"><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" align=middle colSpan=9>Indianapolis at Tennessee</TH></TR><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=2>
</TD><TD align=middle colSpan=5>When: 8:30 PM ET
Watch: ESPN</STRONG>
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 8
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</TH></TR><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=9>Scouts Inc. Position Advantage</TH></TR><TR><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>QB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>RB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>WR</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>OL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DL</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>LB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>DB</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>ST</TD><TD style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #999999" align=middle width=62>Coach</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" vAlign=top><TD align=middle width=62>
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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>The roles in this interesting matchup have been totally reversed. Normally it is the high-flying Colts that come to town with a bulls-eye on their back as the prohibitive favorites, but now the Titans are in that role. They run the football with conviction, have a low-risk passing game and they play great defense. This is a portable game plan that will be effective in any environment and that makes their long-term success probable. Indy still has potential for offensive explosiveness, especially in the passing game -- but the run offense and overall defense is inconsistent. This game features finesse versus power, and it will be fun to watch the two styles clash in a very important AFC South matchup.
When Indianapolis has the ball
Right now, the Colts look like a one-dimensional offense that has almost lost interest in the run game -- partly because of injuries and partly because of ineffective blocking. The inability to establish the run greatly hinders the Colts' play-action package, which has always been a big strength of QB Peyton Manning. This run game is currently ranked last in the NFL, and the Colts are 30th in time of possession, which means a lot of three-and-outs. This has forced a struggling defense to stay on the field even longer. Even the vaunted Indy passing game has shown inconsistency.
At times, the Colts really look in sync -- as we are used to seeing -- but at other times, they look flat and almost lethargic. This will be a pass-heavy attack versus a good Titan defense that is ranked third in the league -- they just don't give up a lot of big pass plays. They will play a lot of two- and three-deep zone schemes. Plus, they will try to get to Manning with a four-man rush and limited blitzing, which puts seven defenders into coverage and matches up well versus the Colts' four-wide look. However, the key for the Colts is to block the Titans' front four without help from their backs or tight ends. If that happens, Manning has a chance for some quality plays -- but it won't be easy.
When Tennessee has the ball
The formula for the Titans' offense is very simple: run the football, control the clock, keep an outstanding defense fresh and ask your quarterback to only manage the game. They will run at and wear down the undersized Colts. They need to get into third-and-short situations to give them a running option on third down. If they can convert on third down, it will keep Indy's defense on the field and Manning on the sidelines. Right now, the Colts are 29th in third-down defense, and that won't get it done versus the Titans' offense. They will use their tight ends in a lot of blocking situations, sometimes as H-backs blocking between the tackles, but they also do a good job on the edges when RB Chris Johnson breaks his runs to the outside.
The Colts don't like to blitz, but if Tennessee uses a lot of two-tight-end sets, that sets up seven blockers versus Indy's front four -- a huge advantage for the more physical Titans. If the Colts are forced to bring an extra defender into the box or attack with some blitzes, they will be vulnerable on the back end. QB Kerry Collins won't be asked to do a lot, but he can make quality intermediate throws to his tight ends and backs, especially off play-action. If and when the Colts try to blitz, it will be difficult because RBs LenDale White and Johnson are also solid in blitz pickup.
<TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000">Matchup to watch</TH><TR vAlign=center><TD align=middle><TABLE cellPadding=6 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD><TD><CENTER>Indianapolis LT Charlie Johnson and LG Jamey Richard
vs.
Tennessee RDE Kyle Vanden Bosch and RDT Albert Haynesworth</CENTER></STRONG></TD><TD>
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD>The right side of Tennessee's defensive line is almost unblockable. Vanden Bosch and Haynesworth are not only strong, but also very active -- they are tenacious with their pressure. They can utilize a speed or power rush and are most effective when they play two-man games -- twists and stunts -- to confuse blocking assignments. They can even switch positions, which will create additional problems for the Colts up front. Haynesworth has a terrific inside rush and loves to attack the A-gap, which will force C Jeff Saturday to help Richard and double-team Haynesworth. But these Colts linemen are fundamentally sound blockers and rarely get fooled. When Vanden Bosch moves inside, the Colts may try to double-team him because of his first-step quickness -- that puts Haynesworth in a one-on-one matchup outside. Protecting Manning's back side in this game will be a real challenge. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Keys to
Success
<!--Indianapolis Keys To Success
-->1Change your philosophy: The 1-2 punch of Johnson and White is becoming one of the most explosive duos in the NFL. White is a power inside runner, and Johnson is good at bouncing to the outside, where his explosiveness and open-field speed is impressive (though he can go inside as well). The Colts are undersized on defense and can be worn down by big offensive lines and physical backs. The Colts like to drop seven defenders into coverage, and their front four's philosophy is to play the run on the way to the quarterback, which will not work against the Titans. Instead, Indy will likely utilize a lot of inside twists and stunts and probably be forced to bring some run blitzes out of the back seven. However, without SS Bob Sanders, they are vulnerable on the second level in terms of open-field tackling.
2Don't forget to stretch: The Colts are really banged up at running back, but they must try to run the ball wide because it will give them some balance and Manning a chance to set up play-action. Tennessee will try to rush four and drop seven without putting an extra defender in the box, but if the stretch play has some success, the Titans will be forced to bring a linebacker or safety up closer and give Manning some single man-to-man matchups on the perimeter. The problem for the Colts is how to establish the run. They are last in the league in rushing and seem to be less committed each week to the run. If the Colts don't establish the stretch, Tennessee will simply sit back with seven defenders in coverage and the play-action will not be as effective. The Titans can then roll coverages and double-team the Colts' receivers without a lot of blitzes.
3Limit the penalties and turnovers: The Colts are usually a model of consistency, and over the years they have been one of the smartest teams in the NFL. However, they have been surprisingly sloppy through six games, and it is really hampering their ability to put long drives together. They were flagged 12 times for 110 yards against the Packers on Sunday and are 29th in the NFL in penalty yardage. Manning also threw two interceptions for touchdowns Sunday, his receivers really struggled to get off press coverage, and the defense failed to record a turnover. There is just no flow to this team right now on either side of the ball, and the Colts are not explosive enough to cover up these mistakes -- especially against the Titans.
Keys to
Success
<!--Tennessee Keys To Success
-->1Front-four pressure: The Titans prefer to attack quarterbacks without a lot of blitzes because they have an a tremendous front four. They have excellent edge rushers in Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse. They are explosive inside with underrated DT Tony Brown and the best defensive lineman in the league, DT Albert Haynesworth. They beat offensive lines with power and quickness, and they have a solid six-deep rotation. This defense has recorded 18 sacks through six games, and 16 of those have come from the defensive line. The Titans will not blitz a lot or put an extra linebacker in the box, so the Colts will have five blockers to block four (if they release TE Dallas Clark on passing routes). The Colts want to spread the field with their passing game, and that means minimal max-protection schemes. But if they are forced to keep a tight end or back as a blocker, it will hinder their passing game.
2Overpower the Colts' defense: The Colts are an undersized defensive unit and, philosophically, they have always been more conscious of rushing the pass than stopping the run. The Colts do not want to put a linebacker into the box and would like to drop seven into coverage. But that will not work against the Titans, with their blue-collar offensive line, which is big and physical and usually controls the line of scrimmage. The Titans also do a good job of using their tight ends to block in the run game. They will line them up at times in an H-back position and have them lead the back through the hole, much like a fullback. They also have effective blocking angles.
3Get it in the end zone: Through six games, the Titans are the most efficient red-zone offense in the NFL. They have converted 18 red-zone possessions into 13 touchdowns and they are getting it done in a variety of ways. White is an excellent inside runner with good power and instincts when he gets close to the goal line. TEs Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler are also good red-zone targets, especially off play-action, and the Colts do not match up well against that kind of size. But Colts DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have the speed to stay with them. Despite the Titans' success, they are not overly explosive on offense. Against the potentially explosive Colts' pass offense, they need to come away with touchdowns, not field goals.
Scouts Edge
This matchup between two division opponents always entertains us because these teams are polar opposites in terms of their philosophy. Both offenses are good in the red zone, but a big advantage for Tennessee is its ability to play almost mistake free football, while the Colts have been uncharacteristically sloppy with penalties and turnovers. The focus of this game will be the defensive lines. Whichever one can control the line of scrimmage and apply pressure will get the edge. Tennessee will pound the ball on offense, harass Manning and stay undefeated. <TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=2>Prediction</TH></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
</TD><TD vAlign=center width="100%">Indianapolis 21
Tennessee 31</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
By Gary Horton
Scouts Inc.
Friday, October 24, 2008
<TABLE cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 width=552 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width="100%"><TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" align=middle colSpan=9>Indianapolis at Tennessee</TH></TR><TR><TD align=middle colSpan=2>
</TD><TD align=middle colSpan=5>When: 8:30 PM ETWatch: ESPN</STRONG>
Preview
More scouting reports: Week 8
</TD><TD align=middle colSpan=2>
</TD></TR><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ececec" colSpan=9>
When Indianapolis has the ball
Right now, the Colts look like a one-dimensional offense that has almost lost interest in the run game -- partly because of injuries and partly because of ineffective blocking. The inability to establish the run greatly hinders the Colts' play-action package, which has always been a big strength of QB Peyton Manning. This run game is currently ranked last in the NFL, and the Colts are 30th in time of possession, which means a lot of three-and-outs. This has forced a struggling defense to stay on the field even longer. Even the vaunted Indy passing game has shown inconsistency.
At times, the Colts really look in sync -- as we are used to seeing -- but at other times, they look flat and almost lethargic. This will be a pass-heavy attack versus a good Titan defense that is ranked third in the league -- they just don't give up a lot of big pass plays. They will play a lot of two- and three-deep zone schemes. Plus, they will try to get to Manning with a four-man rush and limited blitzing, which puts seven defenders into coverage and matches up well versus the Colts' four-wide look. However, the key for the Colts is to block the Titans' front four without help from their backs or tight ends. If that happens, Manning has a chance for some quality plays -- but it won't be easy.
When Tennessee has the ball
The formula for the Titans' offense is very simple: run the football, control the clock, keep an outstanding defense fresh and ask your quarterback to only manage the game. They will run at and wear down the undersized Colts. They need to get into third-and-short situations to give them a running option on third down. If they can convert on third down, it will keep Indy's defense on the field and Manning on the sidelines. Right now, the Colts are 29th in third-down defense, and that won't get it done versus the Titans' offense. They will use their tight ends in a lot of blocking situations, sometimes as H-backs blocking between the tackles, but they also do a good job on the edges when RB Chris Johnson breaks his runs to the outside.
The Colts don't like to blitz, but if Tennessee uses a lot of two-tight-end sets, that sets up seven blockers versus Indy's front four -- a huge advantage for the more physical Titans. If the Colts are forced to bring an extra defender into the box or attack with some blitzes, they will be vulnerable on the back end. QB Kerry Collins won't be asked to do a lot, but he can make quality intermediate throws to his tight ends and backs, especially off play-action. If and when the Colts try to blitz, it will be difficult because RBs LenDale White and Johnson are also solid in blitz pickup.
<TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000">Matchup to watch</TH><TR vAlign=center><TD align=middle><TABLE cellPadding=6 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
vs.
Tennessee RDE Kyle Vanden Bosch and RDT Albert Haynesworth</CENTER></STRONG></TD><TD>
Keys to
Success
<!--Indianapolis Keys To Success
-->1Change your philosophy: The 1-2 punch of Johnson and White is becoming one of the most explosive duos in the NFL. White is a power inside runner, and Johnson is good at bouncing to the outside, where his explosiveness and open-field speed is impressive (though he can go inside as well). The Colts are undersized on defense and can be worn down by big offensive lines and physical backs. The Colts like to drop seven defenders into coverage, and their front four's philosophy is to play the run on the way to the quarterback, which will not work against the Titans. Instead, Indy will likely utilize a lot of inside twists and stunts and probably be forced to bring some run blitzes out of the back seven. However, without SS Bob Sanders, they are vulnerable on the second level in terms of open-field tackling.
2Don't forget to stretch: The Colts are really banged up at running back, but they must try to run the ball wide because it will give them some balance and Manning a chance to set up play-action. Tennessee will try to rush four and drop seven without putting an extra defender in the box, but if the stretch play has some success, the Titans will be forced to bring a linebacker or safety up closer and give Manning some single man-to-man matchups on the perimeter. The problem for the Colts is how to establish the run. They are last in the league in rushing and seem to be less committed each week to the run. If the Colts don't establish the stretch, Tennessee will simply sit back with seven defenders in coverage and the play-action will not be as effective. The Titans can then roll coverages and double-team the Colts' receivers without a lot of blitzes.
3Limit the penalties and turnovers: The Colts are usually a model of consistency, and over the years they have been one of the smartest teams in the NFL. However, they have been surprisingly sloppy through six games, and it is really hampering their ability to put long drives together. They were flagged 12 times for 110 yards against the Packers on Sunday and are 29th in the NFL in penalty yardage. Manning also threw two interceptions for touchdowns Sunday, his receivers really struggled to get off press coverage, and the defense failed to record a turnover. There is just no flow to this team right now on either side of the ball, and the Colts are not explosive enough to cover up these mistakes -- especially against the Titans.
Keys to
Success
<!--Tennessee Keys To Success
-->1Front-four pressure: The Titans prefer to attack quarterbacks without a lot of blitzes because they have an a tremendous front four. They have excellent edge rushers in Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse. They are explosive inside with underrated DT Tony Brown and the best defensive lineman in the league, DT Albert Haynesworth. They beat offensive lines with power and quickness, and they have a solid six-deep rotation. This defense has recorded 18 sacks through six games, and 16 of those have come from the defensive line. The Titans will not blitz a lot or put an extra linebacker in the box, so the Colts will have five blockers to block four (if they release TE Dallas Clark on passing routes). The Colts want to spread the field with their passing game, and that means minimal max-protection schemes. But if they are forced to keep a tight end or back as a blocker, it will hinder their passing game.
2Overpower the Colts' defense: The Colts are an undersized defensive unit and, philosophically, they have always been more conscious of rushing the pass than stopping the run. The Colts do not want to put a linebacker into the box and would like to drop seven into coverage. But that will not work against the Titans, with their blue-collar offensive line, which is big and physical and usually controls the line of scrimmage. The Titans also do a good job of using their tight ends to block in the run game. They will line them up at times in an H-back position and have them lead the back through the hole, much like a fullback. They also have effective blocking angles.
3Get it in the end zone: Through six games, the Titans are the most efficient red-zone offense in the NFL. They have converted 18 red-zone possessions into 13 touchdowns and they are getting it done in a variety of ways. White is an excellent inside runner with good power and instincts when he gets close to the goal line. TEs Bo Scaife and Alge Crumpler are also good red-zone targets, especially off play-action, and the Colts do not match up well against that kind of size. But Colts DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis have the speed to stay with them. Despite the Titans' success, they are not overly explosive on offense. Against the potentially explosive Colts' pass offense, they need to come away with touchdowns, not field goals.
Scouts Edge
This matchup between two division opponents always entertains us because these teams are polar opposites in terms of their philosophy. Both offenses are good in the red zone, but a big advantage for Tennessee is its ability to play almost mistake free football, while the Colts have been uncharacteristically sloppy with penalties and turnovers. The focus of this game will be the defensive lines. Whichever one can control the line of scrimmage and apply pressure will get the edge. Tennessee will pound the ball on offense, harass Manning and stay undefeated. <TABLE id=inlinetable cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TH style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #000000" colSpan=2>Prediction</TH></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD align=middle>
</TD><TD vAlign=center width="100%">Indianapolis 21Tennessee 31</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
