Colts Unleash Offense in AFC South Showdown

In an offensive explosion that revived the AFC South divisional rivalry during Week 3 of the NFL on September 21, 2025, the Indianapolis Colts routed the Tennessee Titans 41-20 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts (2-1) made the most of their return from a bye week, while the Titans (0-3) deepened their early-season struggles, suffering their third straight loss and raising questions about their identity under new head coach Brian Callahan.

Game Summary:

First Quarter: Indianapolis opened with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Richardson to Michael Pittman Jr., followed by a 3-yard rushing touchdown by Richardson himself for a quick 14-0 lead. Tennessee responded with a 38-yard field goal by Nick Folk.

Second Quarter: The Colts extended their lead with a 12-yard rushing touchdown by Jonathan Taylor and another 18-yard touchdown pass from Richardson to Alec Pierce, putting them up 28-3 at halftime. A forced fumble by Zaire Franklin in the red zone prevented a Titans touchdown.

Third Quarter: Tennessee cut the deficit with a 6-yard touchdown run by Tony Pollard and a two-point conversion, but Indianapolis answered with a 42-yard field goal by Matt Gay.

Fourth Quarter: The Titans scored twice more: a 15-yard touchdown pass from Will Levis to Calvin Ridley and a 4-yard rushing touchdown by Pollard. However, the Colts sealed the victory with a final 8-yard touchdown run by Taylor, capping a 9-play drive that ate up valuable clock.

Key Statistics:

Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Richardson completed 14 of 21 passes for 212 yards and 3 touchdowns, with no interceptions, and added 45 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns. Michael Pittman Jr. led all receivers with 6 receptions for 89 yards and 1 touchdown. Tennessee Titans: Will Levis completed 22 of 35 passes for 189 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. Tony Pollard contributed 76 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. Calvin Ridley had 5 receptions for 62 yards and 1 touchdown, but the defense allowed 412 total yards.

Game-changing moments: Richardson's dual-threat ability as both a passer and runner overwhelmed the injury-riddled Titans defense, leading to 3 turnovers that the Colts converted into 14 points.

Indianapolis's ground game, led by Taylor, controlled the clock with 162 rushing yards, limiting Tennessee to just 68 yards on the ground. Interceptions by Kenny Moore II and Julian Blackmon dashed the Titans' hopes of a comeback, exposing Levis's inexperience at crucial moments.

This victory catapults the Colts into contention in the AFC South, with their next game in Pittsburgh. The Titans, now 0-3, travel to Houston for a must-win game that could define their early-season fate.