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The AFC South Is Entertaining Television
(By Stephen Knox)
https://deadspin.com/nfl-week-5-take...ans-1850911673
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The Colts and the Titans Play a Thriller in Jonathan Taylor’s Return to the Field
Jonathan Taylor did not touch the ball very much in his 2023 debut for the Colts. In the days leading up to the Colts’ Week 5 matchups against the Titans, he signed a multi-year contract in line with what the top running backs in the NFL receive.
He played against the Titans, but only touched the ball seven times. During the summer, the Colts were projected to not sniff the playoffs. Taylor’s contract dispute was not the only reason for the Colts’ low expectations ...... they entered the season starting a rookie quarterback ...... Anthony Richardson ...... whose scouting report should have been literally stamped “raw.”
Even though Taylor was hardly used, and Richardson exited the game with his second injury of the season, this match-up between division rivals was a fun watch. The Colts were feisty all day, proving that their 2-2 record was no fluke. Derrick Henry was largely a non-factor for the Titans, while his backup ...... Tyjae Spears ...... was a match-up problem for the Colts, as he tallied 11 touches for 69 yards and a touchdown. Also, DeAndre Hopkins was snatching passes from all angles for the Titans, as he totaled 140 yards on 8 receptions.
As well as Hopkins and Spears played, the Colts were still able to pull out the victory at home. Gardner Minshew filled in at quarterback for the second time this season, and threw only 3 incomplete passes out of 4 attempts. Also, from the Colts’ first possession to their final one, Zack Moss was unstoppable ...... he gashed the Titans for 165 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while averaging 7.2 yards per carry in the process.
Going into Sunday’s game, Moss had rushed for 280 yards while averaging 4.2 yards per carry. These Colts, who had the 4-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, are now 3-2 on the season. A backfield tandem of Moss and Taylor ...... at minimum ...... will be able to make the rest of the AFC South consider the Colts a threat.
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