Colts vs. Titans: 4 2nd-Half Keys to Victory for Indianapolis

The Indianapolis Colts are coming off what can only be described as a humiliating defeat to their old Super Bowl foes, the New Orleans Saints. Even though the Manning-less 0-7 squad has had very little luck getting anything going this season, one has to think there's nowhere to go but up.  

The good news is that the first 30 minutes of this week's clash against the Titans haven't been as monumental a disaster for the Colts. The bad news is they're still trailing by a 20-0 score. Here are four things the Colts need to do to get back in the game:

1. Avoid Stupid Penalties

Colts fans don't need to be told that bad play has a way of snowballing.  Look, we can quibble all we want about the cause of Indy's season-long malaise, but I can guarantee that the continuance of their struggles can't be explained away by the absence of Peyton Manning.  

The Colts committed a penalty on the opening kickoff, and then another later on a punt return.  The special teams can't doom the offense before it even begins its drive; they have enough trouble moving the ball as it is.  If they can keep the penalties down in the second half, they will give themselves a chance to move the ball into enemy territory and get points on the board.

2. Special Teams, Special Teams, Special Teams

It's a known fact that saying something three times makes it true—and I don't think I can hammer home enough how much the Colts need their special teams to get their heads out of their you-know-wheres in the second half.  From a blocked punt that turned into a touchdown for the Titans to silly penalties setting the offense back deep in its own territory (see No. 1), the Colts' special unit has kicked itself in the foot.  

By helping the Colts win the field position battle and setting up scoring chances, the correction of these errors will make the special teams even more instrumental in a comeback.

3. Spread the Ball Around 

In the past Curtis Painter has shown too great a tendency to fall in love with Pierre Garcon and home in on certain receivers, allowing opposing defenses to pick up on his patterns.  

Painter does seem like he's starting to understand what it means to be an NFL quarterback.  The Colts looked most impressive in the first half when Painter was able to get the ball to his receivers on a short drop and spread the ball around evenly to his many weapons.  If he can avoid resorting to his security blankets, it will be a great boon for an offense desperately trying to win this game.

4. The Delone Carter Factor

It's hard to explain it, but Delone Carter has looked great on limited work in the first half.  The game may be beyond the point where the Colts can consistently rely on the run, but Carter may be a key asset in getting the offense rolling towards points, if not becoming a spark plug and a centerpiece around whom all else runs.