The Colts are making a noticeable change on the back end after last week’s tempo issues, and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo isn’t hiding why.
He said the defense was slow getting set, and that speed from the other side created problems.
“Clearly a couple of their tempo plays caught us off guard,” Anarumo said, via the team’s website. “ I think they were ready for it.
We practiced tempo. Obviously, that’s a big part of what they do.”
One adjustment already in place is removing the green dot from DB Cam Bynum. Anarumo believes that should let the secondary get organized faster, and Bynum likes what that means for his role.
“ I think it’ll help that I can focus on lining up and being able to facilitate on the back end,” Bynum said. “ It’s perfect that (Davis-Gaither) is right in the middle of the defense where he can relay stuff at the front. I can do stuff on the back end, and then I think it creates better communication from front to back.”
In Jacksonville, Travon Walker made a strong enough impression in Week 1 that head coach Liam Coen singled out more than just the pass rush. Coen said Walker was disruptive against the run too, and that overall impact stood out early.
“ I thought he wreaked some havoc, especially early in the game,” Coen said, via Jags Wire. “ I think those guys all were doing a nice job rushing and affecting the quarterback at times.
Yeah, like he can be a savage when he really wants to be. When he’s going and staying low and coming off the rock and not hesitating or kind of waiting for the set, and just going and causing havoc, he can be that way.
And I was pleased to see that show up in Week 1, especially to see some of the coverage and front match each othe r.”
No additional Titans note was included in the source.
In Other News...
Titans Already Have One Early Trust Problem Fans Can Feel
The Titans opened the season with more familiar frustration, dropping their Week 1 game to the Jets and giving fans little reason to believe the recent downturn is over. Cam Wards first outing was uneven, as the rookie quarterback finished 19 of 32 for 140 yards with a touchdown that came mostly in garbage time, leaving Tennessee again searching for signs that the offense can offer something steady.
Anthony Hill Jr. was one of the few bright spots, showing up immediately on defense and leading the league with 16 tackles in Week 1. Even so, the larger concern remains the same one that followed the Titans through recent poor seasons: Brian Dabolls offense struggled to generate yards and points, and until that changes, every slow start is going to feel a lot bigger than one loss in September. [Read more 🡒]
Jets Win Suddenly Looks Even Bigger For Cam Ward's Rough Start
The Titans opened the season with a loss to the Jets, and the spotlight immediately shifted to Cam Wards first steps at quarterback. For a rookie, there is always some runway, but the early concern in Tennessee is whether Week 1 was just a rough debut or the start of a more difficult stretch against defenses that can force a young passer into mistakes.
Seth Walder of ESPN added another layer of intrigue by predicting Ward could be in line for at least three interceptions against the Eagles in Week 2, a bold call given how rarely Ward has been beaten up by turnovers in a single game. Philadelphias defense is the kind of unit that can turn one shaky outing into a bigger conversation fast, which is why Tennessees trip to face the Eagles suddenly feels even more consequential. [Read more 🡒]
Titans Need A Week 2 Response And These Playmakers Could Deliver
The Titans head into Week 2 looking for a cleaner answer after a rough opening stretch, and the matchup with the Eagles gives them a chance to find one in a few different spots. Dee Jay Dallas is expected back from concussion protocol, which could matter right away if Tennessee needs more help holding up against the run and keeping Philadelphia from controlling the game on the ground.
On the other side of the ball, Treylon Burks looms as a primary receiving option, while Jeffery Simmons remains the kind of interior force who can tilt a game if the pressure starts to land. Franklin-Myers also looks positioned for a better day if Tennessee can take advantage of an Eagles offensive line that has not been especially sharp, making this one of those early-season games where a few individual performances could shape the larger response. [Read more 🡒]