Colts vs Titans: 5 Things We Learned from Tennessee's 27-10 Victory

The Tennessee Titans broke a two-game losing streak Sunday as they defeated the winless Indianapolis Colts, 27-10.

The Titans finally got a win inside the division (1-2) and showed the league a bit more about themselves as the season hits the halfway mark.

Ahead are five things we learned from the Titans' tilt with Indianapolis.

1. Titans Need To Distribute the Ball Evenly

Against the Indianapolis Colts, the Tennessee Titans threw the ball 33 times and ran the ball 31 times. This was easily the most even game of the season in terms of running and passing the ball for Tennessee. 

The Titans got a big lead early and were able to run the ball consistently, putting them into manageable third down conversions.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck targeted eight different receivers Sunday, while Javon Ringer and Chris Johnson carried the ball 14 times each.

2. Javon Ringer Should Be Splitting Carries with CJ

Other than a blowout victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, the Tennessee Titans had their best rushing production of the season in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts. 

Tennessee gave even carries to Chris Johnson and third-year power back Javon Ringer for the first time this season leading to 94 yards rushing on 28 combined carries. 

Ringer was more productive, garnering 4.3 yards per carry compared to CJ's 2.3 yards per carry. After a somewhat even day on the ground, the Titans should invest in "Smash and Dash 2.0."

3. Rob Bironas Is Just Fine

After a shaky preseason of kicking, Rob Bironas entered the regular season not quite looking like the same kicker he has been for the past seven years.

Bironas showed no rust Sunday as he blasted a 51-yard and 50-yard field goal in the first half to put the Tennessee Titans up 13-0 late in the second quarter. 

4. Tennessee Still Can't Stop the Run Game

Over the past three weeks, the Tennessee Titans have allowed 554 yards on the ground. 

Despite the Pittsburgh Steelers missing their starting running back, Rashard Mendenhall, backup tailback Jonathon Dwyer still rushed for 107 yards on 11 carries in Week 5. After the bye week, the Houston Texans duo of Arian Foster and Ben Tate combined for 40 carries for 219 yards.

Against the depleted Indianapolis Colts running tandem, the Titans then allowed 158 yards on 26 carries, including seven carries for 79 yards to quarterback Curtis Painter.

5. Titans Must Win the Turnover Battle To Win the Game

Through Week 8, the Tennessee Titans have forced more turnovers than their opponent only twice.

In Week 2, an upset victory against the Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee intercepted quarterback Joe Flacco twice and forced one fumble as they defeated the Ravens, 26-13. The second time they accomplished that feat was in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts, intercepting quarterback Curtis Painter twice.

If Tennessee expects to contend in the AFC South, they must force more turnovers and control the time of possession.