Colts vs. Titans: 5 Things We Learned from the Colts 27-10 Loss

Today's matchup against the Tennessee Titans resulted in another loss in the old column for the Indianapolis Colts.  

While not the total embarrassment of last weeks' drubbing at the hands of the New Orleans Saints, this loss to the Titans showed that the Colts have a slew of problems that will keep them in the dregs of the NFL.

What did we learn about the Colts in the wake of today's game?

The Colts Secondary Continues to Be Awful

It doesn't matter if it's Chris Rucker, Terrence Johnson, Kevin Thomas or Jacob Lacey; Colts cornerbacks not named Jerraud Powers get burned.

The below-average personnel is not the only problem, though. Bleacher Report's NFL Editor Collin McCollough wrote last week that the weak Tampa 2 coverage scheme employed by Colts' defensive coordinator Larry Coyer is dragging down the team.

By giving huge cushions to receivers, the Colts secondary becomes incredibly vulnerable. The Colts defense has been deplorable due in no small part to Coyer's ill-conceived defensive game plans. My guess is that Coyer will become a casualty of this horrible season.

For next year, the Colts also desperately need to upgrade their talent at cornerback so that Powers has at least some help in coverage. 

The Colts Special Teams Has Been Anything but Special

While the Colts special teams have never been good throughout Peyton Manning's career, its utter incompetence was laid bare in today's game.

With penalties on the first three kick returns, the Colts' mental gaffes on special teams put their offense deep in their own territory throughout the first half.

Joe Lefeged has been worse than mediocre at returning kicks and rarely gets the ball past the 20 yard line when he runs it out. While his blocking hasn't been fantastic, he doesn't seem to be able to make anyone miss.

Poor drafting and big contracts at the top of the roster for the past few years has left the Colts with a severe lack of depth and talent.

Special teams must get better in the future for the Colts to make another playoff push when (and if) Manning returns.

Curtis Painter Is a Running Quarterback

Painter runs for 79 yards? It was incredibly impressive what the third-year quarterback did on the ground in the fourth quarter.

Granted, it was garbage time, but it is still a nice statistic and demonstrated good vision and athleticism.

Painter is a mediocre quarterback, but he has established (despite many doubters) that he can be a capable backup in the NFL. Adding the threat of a run to his repertoire could increase the chances that the Colts could actually win a game this year. 

The Colts Playcalling Is Cowardly

A winless team needs to be bold in order to get victories. The most egregious (and pusillanimous) call that showcased cowardliness happened in the third quarter when the Colts were down 20-0.

Instead of going for the touchdown on 4th-and-goal, Caldwell called in Adam Vinatieri for a field goal. Just go for it, man!

What does a team that is in a 20-0 hole and winless on the season have to lose? The Colts are well-known as a conservative team, but this is ridiculous.

I'd also like to see some trickery at times from the Colts on offense. Joseph Addai is one-for-one with a touchdown in his passing career. Give him another go at it sometime.

A surprise on-side kick would be a welcome flourish as well. In the words of Herman Edwards, the Colts coaching staff needs to "play to win the game." Kick the cowardice to the curb, Colts.

Peyton Manning Covered a Multitude of Problems

The Colts have been totally exposed for what they are. Without Manning they are bottom-feeders.

Their offensive line is a work in progress. Their defensive line gets pushed around. Their secondary can't stop anyone.

The Colts skill players on offensive can be effective, but they are only special when Manning is running things.

Every single aspect of the Colts game is worse with Manning on the sidelines. This team was built around him and without him they flounder.

This season can't end quick enough.