NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Indianapolis Colts grabbed a big 34-17 win over their AFC South division rival, the Tennessee Titans, Thursday night.
The Colts trailed 17-13 at halftime, but the defense held the Titans high powered offense scoreless in the second half while the offense scored 21 unanswered points. The special teams unit added a blocked punt returned for a touchdown late in the third quarter.
The effort helped along by 115 total yards from scrimmage by running back Nyheim Hines and 101 receiving yards from rookie wide receiver Michael Pittman.
“Just came out aggressive, locked in,” said head coach Frank Reich. “We just wanted to get prepared. We knew were coming on the road, division, a lot at stake, but really still just focused on getting better. We finished the way we needed to finish for sure. ”
Philip Rivers went without an interception as he threw for 308 yards and a touchdown. That lone touchdown pass was to Hines in the second quarter who would add another rushing touchdown in the third quarter.
“This one was a huge game. We knew it,” said Rivers. “It was going to be huge either way. Coming off last week’s game not finding a way to beat the Ravens it was even bigger, and we’ll see them again in 16, 17 days.”
Coming into the game Rivers needed just four passing yards to surpass Dan Marino on the NFL all-time passing list. Rivers is now 5th all-time in passing with 61,666 career passing yards.
Hines’ rushing touchdown put the Colts ahead for the first time in the game in the third quarter. A blocked punt recovered by Colts cornerback TJ Carrie, who returned it for a touchdown extended the Colts’ lead.
Back-up quarterback Jacoby Brissett would add a quarterback sneak into the endzone for a touchdown midway through the 4th quarter to put the game on ice.
The Colts move to 6-3 on the season and back into a tie with the Titans for first place in the AFC South. The Colts will host the Green Bay Packers at Lucas Oil Stadium next weekend before they meet the Titans for the second time in two weeks afterward.
