Beyond the Box Score: Why the Colts Aren’t Reading into Records or Stats

 

The Indianapolis Colts are a team on a mission. Off to a blistering 2-0 start and sitting alone atop the AFC South, the team is a pleasant surprise in the early stages of the 2025 NFL season. As they prepare for their Week 3 divisional matchup against the winless Tennessee Titans (0-2), a casual observer might assume the Colts have this one in the bag. After all, the Titans have lost eight straight games dating back to last season, and they are starting a rookie quarterback in Cam Ward.

But if you ask head coach Shane Steichen or any of the Colts’ team leaders, they will tell you that the records and stats mean absolutely nothing. They have a “laser-like focus” on the task at hand, and they are not about to fall into a classic “trap game” scenario. The Colts know all too well that in the NFL, a winless team can be a dangerous one, and they are not taking this matchup for granted.

A Painful History and a Humbling Reality

The Colts’ cautious approach is rooted in a painful history. The team has not won the AFC South since 2014, the franchise’s longest division championship drought in over two decades. They know from experience that a fast start does not guarantee success. As linebacker Zaire Franklin put it, “A lot of teams start off 2-0 and end up not being nothing.” This sentiment is a powerful reminder that every game in the NFL is a measuring stick, and every victory, no matter how hard-fought, must be earned.

The Colts’ Week 2 victory over the Broncos, a last-second win on a do-over field goal, was a humbling reminder that they are not invincible. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who has been a revelation in his first two games, knows that the team can be better. “We’ve been stopped, and we haven’t converted on some fourth downs, which have kept us from scoring,” Jones said. This self-awareness is a key factor in the team’s ability to maintain focus and avoid a letdown game.

Stopping the Run: The Achilles’ Heel of the Titans

While the Colts are not looking at the records or stats, their game plan will surely be focused on the Titans’ weaknesses. The Titans’ run defense has been a major liability this season, giving up an average of 5.0 and 6.0 yards per carry to their first two opponents. This is a massive problem for a team that is about to face Jonathan Taylor, the NFL’s leading rusher, who is coming off a monster 165-yard performance against the Broncos.

The Titans may get a boost with the return of defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, who has been dealing with an ankle injury, but their defensive line will have its hands full with Taylor and the Colts’ dynamic offensive line. If the Colts can establish the run, it will open up the passing game for Jones and allow them to control the tempo of the game.

A Rookie’s Struggle: Protecting Cam Ward

On the other side of the ball, the Titans’ offense has struggled to protect its rookie quarterback, Cam Ward. Ward has been sacked 11 times in two games, and the Titans’ offensive line, which is missing starting right tackle JC Latham, has been a major liability. The Colts’ defensive front, which has been solid but not spectacular this season, has a prime opportunity to get after the rookie and force him into mistakes.

While Ward has yet to throw an interception in his first two games, the constant pressure he is under will eventually lead to turnovers. The Colts’ defense, which has been opportunistic this season, will be looking to take advantage of this weakness.

The Road to Victory: Focus, Discipline, and Execution

The Colts are a team that is playing with a chip on their shoulder. They have a new quarterback, a new coaching staff, and a newfound sense of purpose. They are not going to let a winless team derail their season. They are focused on a few simple keys to victory: maintaining their focus, playing with discipline, and executing their game plan. They know that if they can do those things, the records and stats will take care of themselves.