Indianapolis Colts 2019: Tennessee Titans think they're close in AFC South

The Tennessee Titans started hot but couldn't hold off the Indianapolis Colts for the final AFC playoff spot in 2018. Tennessee finished 9-7, one of three teams with a winning record in the AFC South. The Titans believe they can jump back into the playoff picture in 2019. 

COLTS 2019 SCHEDULE 

WHAT THE TEXANS ARE UP TO

Coach Mike Vrabel (from left), Jurrell Casey and Marcus Mariota of the Tennessee Titans.

What's different with the Titans this year 

Quarterback Marcus Mariota has a history of injuries. He hasn't played 16 games in any of his four seasons and has been knocked out of many games, including once by the Colts last year. For insurance, the Titans traded for Ryan Tannehill, who started all 88 of his Miami Dolphins appearances over six years.

Tennessee had trouble generating points, which put more pressure on a defense that was third-best in scoring (18.9). It replaced its starting guards and added receivers in free agency and the draft.

>> Tennessee took a risk with its first-round pick, drafting Jeffery Simmons, a pass-rushing demon who tore an ACL while preparing for the NFL Scouting Combine. He might not play this season.

>> The Titans went talent hunting in free agency. They gave four-year deals to former Indiana University guard Rodger Saffold (from the Rams) and receiver Adam Humphries (from the Buccaneers), and a three-year contract to 37-year-old pass rusher Cameron Wake (from the Dolphins).

Some fuel for Titans fans, Part I 

The NFL Draft was held in Nashville, and teams used former players to announce picks in the second and third rounds. Reggie Wayne was greeted with a few boos from Titans fans, and he laid down some truth: “C’mon Tennessee. Y’all have played the Colts 20 times in 10 years and you’ve won three games. Stop it.” 

Some fuel for Titans fans, Part II

Not to be outdone (and, really, can he ever be outdone?), Pat McAfee strolled out to announce a third-round pick. Here we go, Titans fans: "We did not punt much against the Tennessee Titans, so you probably have no clue who I am to begin with." And he was just getting started. (For instance: "I was replaced by a zoo animal" to announce a draft pick two years ago.)

What happened last year 

Nov. 18: Colts 38, Titans 10 

This one was as lopsided as the score indicated. The defense registered five sacks, and Mariota left the game. Andrew Luck passed for three touchdowns, two of them to T.Y. Hilton, as the Colts earned their fourth straight win.

Dec. 30: Colts 33, Titans 17 

Win and you're in. Lose and you go home. The winner of this Week 17 matchup earned the No. 6 seed in the AFC playoffs. Tennessee relied heavily on running back Derrick Henry to keep it close, and reserve quarterback Blaine Gabbert threw interceptions to Kenny Moore and Darius Leonard late. Andrew Luck passed for three touchdowns to offset a pick-six.

When they play this year 

Sept. 15, at Tennessee, 1 p.m., CBS

Dec. 1, at Lucas Oil Stadium, 1 p.m., CBS

Who the Titans signed 

Draft 

Round 1: Jeffery Simmons, DL, Mississippi State, 19th overall

2: A.J. Brown, WR, Mississippi, 51st overall

3: Nate Davis, OL, Charlotte, 82nd overall

4: Amani Hooker, DB, Iowa, 116th overall 

5: D'Andre Walker, LB, Georgia, 168th overall

6: David Long, LB, West Virginia, 188th overall

Free agent/trade 

Adam Humphries, WR; Rodger Saffold, G; Cameron Wake, LB; Tye Smith, CB; Ryan Tannehill, QB; Chris Johnson, RB; Riley Bullough, LB.

Who the Titans lost 

Johnathan Cyprien, S; Blaine Gabbert, QB; Brian Orakpo, LB; Quinton Spain, G; Josh Kline, G; Luke Stocker, TE.