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Colts-Titans rivalry
Indianapolis Colts
Tennessee Titans
LocationIndianapolis, Nashville
First meetingOctober 11, 1970
Colts 24, Oilers 20[1]
Latest meetingDecember 3, 2023
Colts 31, Titans 28[1]
Next meeting2024
StadiumsColts: Lucas Oil Stadium
Titans: Nissan Stadium
Statistics
Meetings total59[1]
All-time seriesColts: 37-22[1]
Largest victoryColts: 35-3 (2005)
Titans: 45-26 (2020)[1]
Longest win streakColts: 11 (2011-2016)
Titans: 5 (2020-2022)[1]
Current win streakColts: 2[1]
Championship Success
Super Bowl Championships (2)[2][3]

Super Bowl Appearances (4)[2][3]

Conference Championships Appearances (8)<[2][3]

Division Championships (14)[2][3]

Wild Card Berths (1970-Present) (13)[2][3]

Map
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Maps: terms of use
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Colts
Locations of the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans

The Colts–Titans rivalry is a National Football League (NFL) rivalry between the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans.[4][5]

During the 1960s, both teams competed in separate Leagues and went by different names, with the Colts identified as the Baltimore Colts and the Titans recognized as the Houston Oilers. Following a merger, the Colts and Oilers were both assigned to the American Football Conference, leading to sporadic matchups. A standout event during this period occurred when the Oilers ended their eighteen-game losing streak against the Colts and securing their sole victory of the season. Following a series of conflicting situations, both teams relocated. The Colts made their move to Indianapolis, while the Oilers found their new home in Nashville, Tennessee, where they underwent a name change and became the Tennessee Titans.

Background

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The Indianapolis Colts originally played in Baltimore and were known as the Baltimore Colts and they began in the 1953 NFL season as a member of the National Football League.

The Tennessee Titans were originally known as the Houston Oilers, and they began in the 1960 AFL season as a charter member of the American Football League.

Due to being in separate leagues, the two teams couldn't compete against each other. However, a significant development occurred on June 8, 1966, when the American Football League and National Football League decided to merge. This merger led to the formation of a combined league, preserving the name and logo of the "National Football League," and was planned to kick off in the 1970 season, resulting in a single league with two conferences. The Baltimore Colts, originally in the Western Conference of the NFL, agreed to move conferences to become part of the American Football Conference (AFC) alongside the Oilers. However, the Colts were placed in the AFC East division, whereas the Oilers were placed in the AFC Central division.

1970-1983: Beginning

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1970: First matchup

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The Colts and Oilers had their inaugural meeting during the 1970 season on October 11 in Houston. Both teams had identical 2-1 records going into the game. During the 2nd quarter, the Colts established a 14-0 lead by executing scoring drives spanning 38 and 44 yards. However, the Oilers managed to recover a fumble at the Baltimore 8-yard line and scored their first points on a 7-yard pass. The Colts added a 43-yard field goal before halftime, securing a 17-7 lead. Although the Colts failed to score in the third quarter, the Oilers managed to score a rushing touchdown, narrowing the lead to 17-14. In the fourth quarter, the Oilers took the lead with two field goals by K Roy Gerela, making it 20-17 with only a few minutes remaining. However, with just 46 seconds left on the clock, future hall of famer QB Johnny Unitas connected with WR Roy Jefferson for a 31-yard touchdown pass, securing a 24-20 victory in their first game against the Oilers.[6][7]

After a promising beginning, the Oilers went 1-8-1 the rest of the season and concluded with a record of 3-10-1. Conversely, the Colts excelled, winning eight games, drawing one, and finishing with an impressive record of 11-2-1, the best in the newly established American Football Conference. In the playoffs, they shut out the Cincinnati Bengals and defeated the Oakland Raiders in the inaugural AFC Championship Game, paving the way for their second Super Bowl appearance. In Super Bowl V, the Colts avenged their upset defeat in Super Bowl III and defeated the Dallas Cowboys with a final score of 16-13, securing their first Super Bowl Championship.[8]

1972-1973: Oilers' Eighteen-game losing streak and back-to-back one win seasons

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After winning 26-20 against the New York Jets, which later turned out to be their only win in their 1972 season, the Houston Oilers proceeded to lose eleven consecutive games to conclude the season. The team ended the season ranked second-to-last in the NFL for both points scored and points allowed, with the 26 points scored in the Jets game being their highest total for the entire season.[9] Entering the 1973 season, the Oilers embarked on a seven-game losing streak, which extended their total losing streak to eighteen games. Their defense, which was already performing poorly, deteriorated further, conceding 250 points and 2429 total yards in the past seven games.[10][11]

On November 4, they faced off against the Colts, who were also struggling, in Baltimore. By the end of the first half, the Oilers had built up a 21-3 lead as the Colts offense has surprisingly struggled scoring against the Oilers pathetic defense. In the second half, things started to change as the Colts scored two touchdowns and held the Oilers scoreless in the 3rd quarter. In the 4th quater, it was a back and forth until the Colts took a 27-24 lead At the two minute warning. The Oilers got the ball back

Following the win, the Oilers ended their eighteen-game losing streak, setting a record at the time post-merge. When considering losing streaks before the merge, it was the third longest losing streak of all time, only behind the Chicago Cardinals (29) and Raiders (19).[12][13][14] The Oilers' record-breaking losing streak post-merge would be surpassed a couple of years later when the newly established Tampa Bay Buccaneers went 0-26 in their first two seasons, which began with their inaugural game against the Oilers.[15][16] This victory would later be the Oilers' sole win in the 1973 season, as they concluded the season with a six-game losing streak, resulting in a 1-13 record.[11] Interestingly, the Colts would go 1-15 in their 1991 season, with their only win being against the Jets.[17] The Oilers would later have another long losing streak in the 1982-1983 season, losing seventeen consecutive games.[18]

https://vault.si.com/vault/1973/11/12/after-18-dry-wells-a-little-gusher

1976-1983: Struggles and last Baltimore game

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Making their debut on Monday Night Football, the Colts seized the opportunity to avenge their previous matchup against the Oilers. On November 1, amidst the 1976 season, the Colts showcased their dominance in Baltimore. With an impressive 31-0 lead going into the final quarter, they maintained their stronghold and emerged victorious with a 38-14 win.[19]

The early 1980s saw the Oilers and Colts struggle heavily. The Colts had one of the worst defenses in the 1981 season, as they finished with a 2-14 record.[20] In the shortened players' strike 1982 NFL season, the Colts finished 0-8-1, the worst record in the league.[21] The Oilers did not fare any better. Following a wild card defeat to the eventual Super Bowl Champions Raiders in the 1980 season,[22] the Oilers struggled to regain their relevance and endured consecutive losing seasons, including a 17-game losing streak from 1982-1983.[18] Due to their poor records, the Colts and Oilers held the top two picks in the 1983 NFL Draft, with the Colts being in position to draft future hall-of-famer QB John Elway. However, Elway refused to play for the Colts, citing concerns about his potential success with the team.[23] He later expressed his desire to play for a West Coast team, ruling out the Oilers.[24] In the end, the Colts drafted Elway but traded him to the Denver Broncos, who would lead them to five Super Bowl appearances and two Super Bowl championships.[25]

The Oilers faced a similar issue. Like John Elway, RB Eric Dickerson, a future hall of famer running back, declined to play for the Oilers, who were set on drafting him with the 2nd overall pick.[26] The Oilers, worried about Dickerson's intentions, decided to trade their second-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams, who subsequently selected Dickerson.[27] Dickerson became an immediate success with them, as he established rookie records for most rushing attempts (390), most rushing yards gained (1,808) and most touchdowns rushing (18), ultimately earning him the Rookie of the Year title.[28] However, the Oilers also had a stroke of luck when they traded with the Seattle Seahawks for the 9th pick, which they used to draft the future hall-of-famer offensive tackle, Bruce Matthews.[29][30] Interestingly, Dickerson would later join the Colts after experiencing contract disputes with the Rams.[31]

In the 1983 season finale held in Baltimore, the Colts emerged victorious with a 20-10 win over the Oilers, marking yet another disappointing season for both teams. It is worth mentioning that the Oilers' quarterback during that time was QB Oliver Luck, who would later become the father of QB Andrew Luck, a prominent quarterback for the Colts.[32] Although this game went unnoticed at the time, it gained significance later on as it marked the final game played by the Colts as a Baltimore team.[33]

 
 
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Before they relocated, the Colts were based in Baltimore and the Titans (formerly Oilers) were based in Houston.

1984-1997: Indianapolis Colts

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Colts relocate to Indianapolis

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See also: Baltimore Colts relocation to Indianapolis

Colts owner Robert Irsay expressed dissatisfaction with the Baltimore Memorial Stadium, deeming it outdated, and sought the construction of a new stadium.[34] After several years of no advancements being made on a new stadium project, Irsay initiated negotiations with Indianapolis and its mayor about relocation.[35] After the Maryland Senate approved a bill granting the city of Baltimore the authority to acquire the Colts through eminent domain,[36] Irsay agreed to Indianapolis's deal and swiftly arranged for Mayflower trucks to relocate the Colts to Indianapolis during the late hours of March 28, effectively becoming the Indianapolis Colts on March 29, 1984.[37][38]

Baltimore was left without an NFL team until the 1996 season, which ironically followed a similar controversial move as the Cleveland Browns relocated from Cleveland to Baltimore to become the Baltimore Ravens.[39] Interesting to note, the Ravens' final home game at Baltimore Memorial Stadium was against the Tennessee Oilers.[40] Furthermore, the Oilers' final game as a professional football team in Houston was against the Baltimore Ravens.[41]

1984-1986: First matchups as an Indianapolis team and continued struggles

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During the 1984 season, the Colts faced off against the Oilers in Houston on September 9th, marking their second game as an Indianapolis franchise. In the 2nd quarter, the Oilers managed to secure a 14-7 lead. However, QB Mike Pagel threw for three touchdown passes as he led the Colts to a 35-21 victory over the Oilers. In his first appearance in the rivalry, Warren Moon, a future hall-of-famer quarterback who was recently signed by the Oilers, had his best performance yet. He completed 23-of-43 and threw for 365 yards. However, he did not throw any touchdowns, as another future hall-of-famer RB Earl Campbell rushed for three touchdowns in what would be his last season with the Oilers.[42]

In the 1985 season finale game, the Colts and the Oilers faced off for the first time in Indianapolis at the newly built Hoosier Dome. Once again, Moon had a great performance, as he completed 22-of-44 for 364 yards, including nine completions for 210 yards and falling one yard short of his total from the previous year's game against the Colts, and threw for two touchdowns. However, the Colts dominated the ground game, rushing for a total of 299 yards against the Oilers' weak rushing defense, which ranked 27th out of 28 teams, and Pagel threw three touchdown passes as the Colts won 34-16. This win marked the first time the Colts had secured consecutive victories since their move from Baltimore prior to the 1984 season. Furthermore, this result meant that both teams finished the season with identical records of 5-11.[43]

Despite finishing the previous season on a positive note, in the 1986 season, the Colts entered their matchup against the Oilers in Houston on November 23 with an eleven-game losing streak. The Oilers, determined not to be the team that handed the Colts their first win, dominated the 3rd quarter by scoring 21 points in just 3 minutes and 42 seconds, ultimately winning 31-17. Oilers HC Jerry Glanville expressed satisfaction with the victory, stating, “They had us by three touchdowns and were still throwing the bomb in the final minute of the game last year. Revenge was on everyone’s mind.” Moon also commented, "The win keeps us from being embarrassed. We certainly didn’t want to be the team to give them their first win."[44] The Colts would later get their first win of the season against the Atlanta Falcons, snapping a thirteen-game losing streak.[45]

1987-1989: Return to relevancy

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The 1987 season saw the Colts and Oilers return to the playoff mix. When they faced off on November 29 in Indianapolis, the Colts held a 5-5 record while the Oilers had a 6-4 record. Noticeably, Eric Dickerson was starting at RB for the Colts. After declining to play for the Oilers, the Oilers traded their 2nd overall pick to the Rams in the 1983 NFL draft, and Dickerson went on to break rookie records and awards.[27][28] Nevertheless, ongoing contract disputes led to his eventual trade to the Indianapolis Colts.[46] In the first half, Dickerson scored two rushing touchdowns while QB Gary Hogeboom threw two touchdown passes, including a 72-yard bomb to RB Albert Bentley, helping the Colts establish a 28-10 lead by halftime. As the game progressed to the final quarter, the Oilers narrowed the gap to 31-20, but the Colts responded with another touchdown to seal the victory, finishing with a 51-27 win, their highest scoring output since a 58-20 triumph against the Buffalo Bills in the 1976 regular-season closer.[47] Dickerson finished with 136 yards on 27 carries. With the result, both teams now had identical records of 6-5.[48][47]

The Colts would later win three out of their last four games, concluding the season with an 9-6 record and clinching the AFC East. This marked a significant milestone for the Colts as they returned to the playoffs, clinched a divisional title, and achieved a winning season for the first time since becoming an Indianapolis-based franchise.[49][50] The last occurrence of such success was back in the 1977 season when the team was still based in Baltimore.[2] The Oilers also had a strong finish, winning three of their last four games to finish with a 9-6 record and secure the 4th seed in the playoffs, marking their return for the first time since the 1980 season.[51][52] this marked the first time both teams made the playoffs in the same season.[2][3]

During the playoffs, the Colts were defeated by the Browns in the Wild Card round,[53][49] whereas the Oilers secured a victory with an overtime game-winning field goal against the Seahawks before falling to the eventual AFC Champions Broncos.[54][52]

The two teams faced off in the season opener of the 1988 season in Indianapolis, eager to build on the momentum they had gained by breaking their playoff droughts in the previous season. The teams were deadlocked at 14-14 at halftime. In the third quarter, disaster struck for the Oilers when Warren Moon suffered a shoulder injury, forcing backup QB Cody Carlson to take over for the remainder of the game. Despite the Colts being held scoreless for the rest of the game, the Oilers failed to capitalize on their opportunities, with K Tony Zendejas missing two field goals, including a crucial 26-yard attempt with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.[55] With the score tied, the game went into overtime, marking the first overtime in their rivalry.[1] In the first play in Overtime, Eric Dickerson caught a pass when it was knocked out of his hands by LB John Grimsley, only for LB Robert Lyles to recover the ball at Indianapolis's 42-yard line. Following a drive down the field, Zendejas was able to redeem himself by successfully kicking a 35-yard field goal, securing a 17-14 victory for the Oilers.[55]

After the New England Patriots' defeat by the Broncos, who were already out of playoff contention, the Oilers clinched a spot in the postseason.[56] As the season finale week commenced, the Colts were in a crucial position where they had to secure a victory on their home turf against the playoff-bound Bills. Additionally, their playoff hopes also relied on the Oilers defeating the Browns. Assuming the Colts win, if the Oilers beat the Browns, the Oilers would secure the 4th seed and commence the playoffs at home against the Colts. However, if the Browns defeated the Oilers, the Colts would be eliminated, the Browns would secure the 4th seed, and the Oilers would have to travel to Cleveland for their playoff match.[57] In the 4th quarter, even though they were behind 7-3 and had lost QB Chris Chandler to an injury, Hogeboom stepped in and threw two touchdowns, securing a crucial 14-7 victory for the Colts. Nevertheless, the Colts players held off on celebrating their victory until they were aware of the outcome of the Browns-Oilers game.[58] The Oilers-Browns matchup witnessed the Oilers establishing a 23-7 lead towards the end of the 3rd quarter, only for the Browns to stage a remarkable comeback by scoring 21 unanswered points and ultimately winning 28-23.[59] With the result, the Colts were officially eliminated from the playoffs, while the Oilers are now set to face off against the Browns in Cleveland again in the wild card round.[58][60] Nevertheless, the Oilers would get their revenge as they knockout out the Browns with a narrow 24-23 victory in the wild card round.[61]

1989-1993: Colts struggles; Oilers playoff struggles

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In the early 1990s, the Colts faced significant challenges. After narrowly missing the playoffs for three consecutive years,[2] they experienced a complete downfall during the 1991 season, finishing with a dismal 1-15 record. Their sole victory came against the Jets, reminiscent of the 1972 Oilers' situation.[17][9] Although the Oilers achieved greater success, consistently making the playoffs and holding the NFL's playoff streak at the time, their success did not translate into advancing to the AFC championship game, let alone winning the Super Bowl.[62] Following a devastating playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and falling short of making it to the Super Bowl yet again,[63] Bud Adams, the owner of the Oilers, opted to trade several key players from the 1993 team, such as Warren Moon to the Minnesota Vikings, during the 1994 offseason, attributing the salary cap as the primary factor.[64][65]

1994: Last Houston Oilers matchup

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The 1994 season opener in Indianapolis saw the Colts facing off against an overhauled Oilers team, with backup QB Cody Carlson leading the charge.[66] The Colts surged ahead with a 42-0 lead by the 4th quarter, scoring all six touchdowns with players who had recently joined the team. The game ended with a resounding 45-21 victory for the Colts, breaking the Oilers' eleven-game winning streak. Rookie RB Marshall Faulk, a future hall of famer, made an impressive NFL debut by rushing for 143 yards and scoring three touchdowns.[67] Without Warren Moon, the Oilers struggled significantly for the rest of the season, finishing with a 2-14 record and missing the playoffs and finishing with a losing record for the first time since the 1986 season.[3] (check later?) This game would turn out to be significant moment for the Colts as they would never again play against the Oilers as a Houston team or under the name "Oilers" after this game.[68]


1990- COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING, WATCH GAME RECAP

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-09-24-sp-761-story.html

1995-2001: Houston Oilers become Tennessee Titans, first playoff meeting

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Oilers relocate to Tennessee

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Colts owner Robert Irsay and Oilers owner Bud Adams (pictured here), were discontent with their existing stadium facilities. They sought a new stadium and initiated secret negotiations upon realizing their desires would not be met. Eventually, they reached an agreement with a promising city to relocate their teams there.

Similar to Robert Irsay, Bud Adams expressed dissatisfaction with the Astrodome, citing its outdated facilities and limited seating capacity in comparison to other NFL stadiums, and pushed for the construction of a new stadium.[69] Upon realizing that a new stadium was unlikely, Adams shifted his focus to Nashville, a city that was experiencing growth.[70] On November 16, 1995, Adams made the decision to move the Oilers to Nashville, Tennessee in time for the 1998 season.[71][72] Nevertheless, poor attendance in Houston following the announcement led Adams to relocate the Oilers to Tennessee by the 1997 season.[73] Houston did not acquire another NFL team until the 2002 season, when they welcomed the "Houston Texans".[74]

1995-1999: No Regular Season Games

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From 1995-1999, the Colts and Oilers did not face each other in the regular season due to their differing standings in their respective divisions.[75] Following successful playoff runs in 1995 and 1996, including an unexpected appearance in the AFC Championship in 1995,[76] the Colts experienced a significant decline with 3-13 records in the subsequent two seasons.[77][78] The Colts, finishing with the worst record, secured the 1st overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft and selected Peyton Manning, a future hall-of-famer.[79] In contrast, the Oilers managed to maintain an 8-8 record for three consecutive years despite their low attendance in Houston and Memphis.[80][81]

In the 1999 season, the Oilers moved to the recently completed Adelphia Coliseum, (now known as Nissan Stadium).[82] By rebranding themselves as the "Tennessee Titans," the team fully embraced their new home in Nashville.[83] With a fresh identity and a state-of-the-art stadium, the Titans experienced a remarkable resurgence and concluded the season with a 13-3 record, second place in the AFC Central, and as the 4th seed in the playoffs.[84] In the offensive side, QB Steve McNair, who was selected in the 1995 draft, passed for 2,179 yards and twelve touchdowns. RB Eddie George achieved another 1,000 rushing yards for the fourth consecutive season. On the defensive end, rookie Jevon "The Freak" Kearse stood out by leading the team with 14.5 quarterback sacks and recording over fifty tackles in his debut season.[85] Meanwhile, the Colts finished one of the biggest NFL turnarounds in NFL history, concluding the season with a 13-3 record. They clinched the AFC East and claimed the 2nd seed in the playoffs. On the offensive side, Peyton Manning, in his sophomore season, passed for 4,135 yards and 26 touchdowns, topping the AFC with a 90.7 quarterback rating. RB Edgerrin James hauled in 115 receptions for 1,663 receiving yards, leading the NFL in that category.[86] On the defensive front, DE Chad Bratzke recorded 12 sacks, while LB Cornelius Bennett had 114 tackles and five sacks.[87] In the playoffs, the Titans faced the Bills and defeated them 22-16 on a famous last minute play to advanced.[88] The Colts and the Titans were set to face off in a playoff game, marking their first postseason meeting.[89]

https://www.tennesseetitans.com/video/nfl-100-greatest-teams-no-91-1999-tennessee-titans

1999-2000 AFC Divisional playoffs

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RB Eddie George rushed for 162 yards on 26 carries as he helped contribute to the Titans playoff win over the Colts. The highlight of the game was undoubtedly his 68-yard touchdown run, which proved to be the turning point in the game.

The Colts entered the game as the favorites to emerge victorious over the Titans, as indicated by their -6 line.[90][91] This marked the first playoff game for the Colts taking place at Indianapolis.[86][92]

In the playoff game, the Colts secured the first points with a 40-yard field goal by K Mike Vanderjagt, taking a 3-0 lead. In the 2nd quarter, K Al Del Greco kicked a 49-yard field goal to tie the game 3-3 for the Titans. Both teams then exchanged field goals, resulting in a 6-6 score. Just before halftime, Vanderjagt kicked a 34-yard field goal, giving the Colts a 9-6 lead at the half. The Titans managed to score the first touchdown of the game in the 3rd quarter, with Eddie George running 68 yards for a touchdown after receiving a key block from T Brad Hopkins, putting them ahead 13-9. Following a series of punts, the Titans managed to secure a 16-9 lead by the beginning of the fourth quarter after Greco successfully kicked a 25-yard field goal. The Colts appeared to have a significant breakthrough when Punt returner Terrance Wilkins returned an 87-yard punt, bringing them to the Titans' 3-yard line. However, the Titans, alerted by placekicker Al Del Greco and other team members, decided to challenge the play as they noticed Wilkins's right foot stepping out of bounds at the Colts' 34-yard line. The officials carefully reviewed the play using replay technology, and after referee Johnny Grier consulted with the officials in the booth, the return was nullified, and the ball was placed at the Colts' 34-yard line. The Titans further extended their lead by successfully converting another field goal, bringing the score to 19-9. With time running out, the Colts took a risk on 4th-and-4 from their own 43-yard line but were unsuccessful. In an attempt to run down the clock, the Titans relied on George to carry the ball, but he ended up fumbling it. The Colts' DE, Mark Thomas, recovered the ball at Indianapolis's 39-yard line. Manning then led a 61-yard drive and personally scored a touchdown by running up the middle, bringing the Colts first touchdown of the game and reducing the Titans' lead to 19-16. However, the Titans successfully recovered the Colts' onside kick and proceeded to run down the clock, ultimately winning their first playoff game against the Colts with a score of 19-16. The Titans defense effectively contained the Colts formidable offense, which was the top-ranked in the AFC and fourth in the league. Manning's performance saw him complete 19-of-43 passes for 227 yards, James struggled with 56 yards on 20 rushing attempts and 1 reception for 8 yards, and Harrison only caught five receptions for 65 yards.[86][93]

The Titans went on to secure a victory against their AFC Central rival Jacksonville Jaguars for the third time that season, with a final score of 33-14. This win led them to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.[94] In Super Bowl XXXIV, the Titans suffered a devastating loss to the St. Louis Rams. Rams LB Mike Jones made a crucial tackle on Titans WR Kevin Dyson at the 1-yard line, securing a 23-16 victory for the Rams and granting them their first Super Bowl Championship.[95]

2000-2001: Final seasons before becoming divisional rivals

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In their last two season before they became divisional rivals, both teams made the playoffs in the 2000 season, losing in the wild card round.[96][97] In the 2001 season, they both missed the playoffs entirely with losing records.[98][99]

2002-2011: Newly Divisional Rivals; Peyton Manning Dominance

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AFC South Formation

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The NFL officially sanctioned the addition of the "Houston Texans" on October 7, 1999, for the 2002 season, marking the return of an NFL team to Houston following the departure of the Houston Oilers. Furthermore, with a total of 32 teams, the NFL decided to reorganize into eight divisions: four teams in each division and four divisions in each conference, also starting in the 2002 season.[100] The NFL made the decision to include the newly established Houston Texans, along with the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars from the AFC Central, and the Indianapolis Colts from the AFC East and place the four teams into the newly created AFC South division. As a result, the Colts and Titans became divisional opponents, meeting twice annually - once in Indianapolis and once in Nashville.[101]

2002-2003: First games as divisional rivals, clash for AFC South

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In the 2002 season, the Colts and Titans faced off as divisional rivals for the first time on November 3 in Indianapolis. The game's first major play started with Titans DB Tank Williams forcing a fumble from FB Jim Finn, resulting in a Titans field goal and a 3-0 lead. The momentum continued as LB Peter Sirmon intercepted Peyton Manning, leading to a touchdown and a 10-0 lead for the Titans. Manning faced more pressure as he was sacked by Williams, fumbling the ball that was recovered by Titans LB Keith Bulluck for another touchdown, extending the Titans' lead to 17-0. After a field goal by the Titans, the Colts attempted to score before halftime, but Mike Vanderjagt missed a 46-yard field goal, leaving the Titans ahead 20-0 at halftime. The Titans began the second half by adding a field goal, increasing their lead to 23-0. The Colts managed to drive down to Tennessee's goal line, but on a crucial 4th-and-1 at the 1-yard line, RB James Mungro was stuffed, resulting in a turnover. Although the Colts managed to score 15 points in the 4th quarter, it was too late as they ultimately lost 23-15. This loss tied the Titans with the Colts for first place in the AFC South. Despite the Titans' offense struggling with only 198 yards, their defense was exceptional throughout the game, forcing three turnovers and keeping the Colts scoreless for three quarters, despite the Colts accumulating 378 yards on offense.[102][103]

The two teams faced off once more on December 8 in Nashville, vying for the inaugural AFC South divisional championship. Despite the Colts' loss to the Titans, they were on a 4-game winning streak, while the Titans had a 3-1 record since their last encounter. This marked the Colts' first game in Tennessee. The Titans took an early 7-0 lead on the opening drive. By the beginning of the 2nd quarter, the Titans extended their lead to 14-0 with a touchdown. The Colts answered back with a touchdown of their own, only to have the Titans score another touchdown. The Colts managed to kick a field goal, making it a 21-10 lead for the Titans at halftime. Following a scoreless 3rd quarter, the Titans added a field goal at the start of the 4th quarter, increasing their lead to 24-10. The Colts drove down the field for a touchdown, but the Titans countered with a field goal, sealing the game with a 27-17 victory and sweeping the Colts in their first divisional matchups.[104]

The Titans secured the inaugural AFC South title after defeating the Jaguars and with the Colts' loss to the New York Giants, becoming the first AFC team to clinch a playoff berth.[105] Meanwhile, the Colts secured a place in the playoffs after winning their season finale against the Jaguars.[106] In the playoffs, the Titans held the 2nd seed while the Colts held the 5th seed.[107] The Colts were shutout against the Jets in the wild card round,[108] whereas the Titans triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime but ultimately fell to the Raiders in the AFC Championship.[107][109]

The two teams were once again clashing for the AFC South title when they met on December 7 at Nashville, both teams were 9-3 and coming off losses. The Titans' Steve McNair, leading the league in passer rating, had thrown 20 touchdowns with just six interceptions as the Titans were the NFL's fifth-highest scoring team. Meanwhile, the Colts' Peyton Manning had accumulated more passing yards than any other player in the league, with the Colts boasting the second-best offense in the NFL, averaging 372.3 yards per game.[110] The Colts won their first meeting on September 14 at Indianapolis 33-7, marking their first divisional win against the Titans.[111] In spite of not scoring any touchdowns, the Colts managed to take a 12-10 lead at halftime by relying on Mike Vanderjagt's four field goal kicks. It wasn't until the 3rd quarter when Edgerrin James rushed for a touchdown that the Colts finally scored their first touchdown of the game. Later on, after a Titans field goal, James rushed for another touchdown, extending the Colts' lead to 29-13. Although the Titans made a late rally and scored two touchdowns, they failed to convert the two-point conversion, resulting in a score of 29-27. With a punt giving the Titans an opportunity for a game-winning field goal, WR Justin McCareins fumbled the kickoff, which was then recovered by DB Anthony Floyd, ultimately securing a 29-27 victory for the Colts. With the win, the Colts swept the Titans for the first time as divisional rivals.[112]

Entering the final week, both the Titans and Colts held a record of 11-4. Although they had secured playoff spots, neither team had yet claimed the AFC South title. The Colts had the advantage in tiebreakers and required a victory to secure their first AFC South divisional title.[113] Earlier, the Titans defeated the Buccaneers, who were the champions of last season's Super Bowl, while eagerly anticipating the outcome of the Colts game. The Colts were under pressure to secure a victory but found themselves behind 17-3 to the Texans as they entered the 4th quarter. Despite the setback, the Colts managed to stage a comeback with two touchdowns, leveling the score. With only 2:40 left on the clock and starting from their own 10-yard line, Manning skillfully led the team down the field, resulting in a game-winning field goal. This victory not only secured the Colts' first AFC South divisional title, but also relegated the Titans to the 5th seed.[114] During the playoffs, the Titans emerged victorious against the Ravens but fell short against the Patriots. On the other hand, the Colts triumphed over both the Broncos and Chiefs but faced defeat against the Patriots as well, who would eventually become Super Bowl Champions.[115] Peyton Manning and Steve McNair were both recipients of the Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award for their outstanding performances, making it just the second occasion in NFL history that the league honored co-MVPs for a season since 1997.[116]

2004-2006: Manning and the Colts showcase their dominance, Second Colts Championship

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In the 2004 season, the Colts emerged victorious in their first game against the Titans in Nashville on September 19. Despite the Titans taking a 17-10 lead in the second half, the Colts mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring three consecutive touchdowns to secure a 31-17 win. The two teams faced off once again on December 5 in Indianapolis, but McNair was unable to participate due to an injury. This particular game gained attention due to some clever tactics employed by the Titans. After scoring a touchdown in the first quarter, the Titans opted for a surprise onside kick, which they successfully recovered and converted into a field goal, giving them a 10-3 advantage. They then attempted another onside kick, but a penalty for a short free kick forced them to punt the ball away. Following a series of touchdowns from both teams, the Titans decided to go for yet another onside kick, which they managed to recover. However, their pass was intercepted by DB Jason David, resulting in a Colts touchdown. The Titans' antics led to them heaving a 24-17 lead by the end of the 1st quarter. However, they were unable to maintain their lead, as the Colts dominated and shutout the Titans the rest of the game, ultimately securing a resounding 51-24 victory. Manning finished with 23-of-35 for 425 yards and three touchdowns, contributing to the Colts' total of 567 yards.

The Colts dominated the Titans in the 2005 season. The Colts easily defeated the Titans at Nashville 31-10.[117] Later, on December 4, the Colts hosted the Titans in Indianapolis. The Colts entered the game as the only undefeated team in the NFL, and they proved why by completely overpowering the Titans, resulting in a final score of 35-3. The Titans managed to score only through K Rob Bironas's 24-yard field goal. Manning finish with 13-of-17 for 187 yards and three touchdowns, earning him a near-perfect passer rating of 151.2. With this win, the Colts secured a playoff spot and became the fifth team in league history to achieve a 12-0 record.[118] The victory currently remains as the Colts' largest victory against the Titans with a 32-point differential.[119] It is worth noting that this game marked the last start in the series for Steve McNair, as he was traded to the Ravens in the following season.[120]

During the 2006 season, the Colts and the Titans faced off on October 8 in Indianapolis. The Colts, with a 4-0 record, were up against the Titans, who were 0-4 at the time. The Titans managed to capitalize on the Colts' weak run defense and took a 10-0 lead by halftime. However, the Colts made a comeback and ultimately secured a 14-13 victory, extending their undefeated streak to 5-0 and continuing their winning streak against the Titans to seven games.[121]

The Titans and Colts faced off once again in Nashville on December 3. After falling behind 14-0 in the first half, the Titans managed to score 17 unanswered points to take the lead. The Colts made a strong drive down the field to Tennessee's 1-yard line, but a pass interference penalty on TE Ben Utecht pushed them back to the 12-yard line. Despite their efforts, the Colts were only able to tie the game with a field goal with 2:38 left to play. Starting at their 25-yard line, rookie QB Vince Young led the Titans down the field to the Indianapolis 42-yard line with 12 seconds remaining. In a surprising turn of events, Rob Bironas kicked a 60-yard field goal, the longest in franchise history, securing a 20-17 victory for the Titans and ending their seven-game losing streak to the Colts. Additionally, this win snapped the Colts' twelve-game winning streak against AFC South opponents.[122]

The Colts managed to finish the season with a 12-4 record, claiming the 3rd seed in the playoffs. They went on to defeat the Chiefs, Ravens, and Patriots in the postseason, ultimately earning a spot in their second Super Bowl. In Super Bowl XLI, the Colts defeated the Chicago Bears, securing their second Super Bowl Championship and their first in Indianapolis.[123]

2007-2008: Colts and Titans clash for the AFC South title

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During the 2007 season, the Colts and Titans clashed on September 16 in Nashville as the Colts aimed to defend their Super Bowl Championship. Despite some offensive struggles and only converting two field goals in the 3rd quarter after advancing to Tennessee's 8-yard line from the Colts, they managed to maintain a 22-13 lead going into the 4th quarter. However, after a Titans fumble at their own 24-yard line, K Adam Vinatieri missed a 36-yard field goal, marking his third missed kick of the day. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Young led the Titans on a 74-yard drive, bringing them within two points at 22-20 with 6:02 remaining. The Titans defense then forced a punt, giving their offense the ball with 1:37 left on the clock. Young orchestrated another drive, bringing the Titans to Indianapolis's 47-yard line. With 4th-and-4 on Indianapolis's 47-yard line, the Colts defense pressured Young into throwing the ball away, securing a narrow 22-20 victory for the Colts.[124]

Upon entering the season finale at Indianapolis, the Titans required a win to secure a tiebreaker over the Browns for the last postseason spot. Meanwhile, the Colts, with a record of 13-2, had already secured the second seed in the playoffs, regardless of the game's outcome. Despite Vince Young suffering an injury, the Titans managed to secure a 16-10 victory as the Colts started resting their key players. This win not only clinched the final playoff spot for the Titans but also ended the Browns' playoff hopes and broke a four-game losing streak in Indianapolis.[125] Both teams later suffered defeats to the San Diego Chargers in the playoffs.[126]

In the 2008 season, the Colts and Titans faced off on Monday Night Football at Nashville on October 27. The Titans, who were 7-0 at the time, had won 10 consecutive regular-season games, making them the last undefeated team in the NFL. With a strong rushing attack and the third-ranked defense in the league, the Titans were looking to extend their lead over the Colts, who were struggling with injuries and inconsistent play with a 3-3 record. The game started with the Titans scoring a field goal on their opening drive. The Colts capitalized on a short field after a poor punt by the Titans, leading to a touchdown pass by Peyton Manning, only the second one allowed by the Titans that year. The Titans managed to close the gap to 7-6 with a 44-yard field goal by Rob Bironas but missed an opportunity to take the lead when Bironas missed a 43-yard field goal attempt following a Manning interception by DB Chris Hope. The first half ended with both teams exchanging punts, with the Colts still holding a narrow 7-6 lead.[127] The Colts scored first in the third quarter with a touchdown pass, taking a 14-6 lead. The Titans then responded by driving 80 yards in 14 plays, tying the game at 14-14 with a rushing touchdown and a successful 2-point conversion. Titans' LB Stephen Tulloch made a crucial stop on 4th-and-1, leading to a Titans 48-yard field goal and a 17-14 lead. Former Colts CB Nick Harper broke up a pass on 4th-and-2, allowing the Titans to score another touchdown and go up 24-14. Another interception by Hope set up another touchdown, increasing the Titans' lead to 31-14. Manning scrambled a 1-yard run with 1:17 remaining, but Titans' S Michael Griffin recovered the onside kick attempt, sealing a 31-21 victory for Tennessee.[128]

Despite the Colt's resurgence and winning streak, the Titans secured the AFC South title after defeating the Browns, ending the Colts' five-year divisional reign.[129] They later claimed the top seed in the AFC after defeating the Steelers.[130] However, the Colts managed to clinch the 5th seed in the playoffs after defeating the Jaguars, with an impressive eight-game win streak.[131] The Titans and Colts faced off in a meaningless season-ending matchup in Indianapolis. The Colts blanked the Titans 23-0, extending their winning streak to nine games.[132] In the playoffs, the Titans suffered an upset at the hands of the 6th seeded Ravens,[133] while the Colts once again fell to the Chargers in overtime.[134]

https://www.si.com/nfl/titans/history/afc-south-division-champions-year-by-year-records-playoff-results-colts-texans-titans-jaguars - For snapping Colts 5-AFC South divisional title streak?

2009-2011: Colts resume their dominance, final Peyton Maning season

edit

When the Titans and Colts met on Sunday Night on October 11 at Nashville,

October 11, 2009 (SUNDAY NIGHT) https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2009/10/11/manning-colts-pick-apart-titans-pass-defense/

  • Peyton Manning and the NFL’s best offense picked apart the league’s worst pass defense as the undefeated Indianapolis Colts led winless Tennessee 28-9 after three quarters on Sunday night.
  • Colts leading the league in passing with an average of 330.3 yards.
  • The Titans’ defense was tied for 31st in the league, allowing opponents an average of 282.3 yards passing.
  • Colts haven't lost a regular-season game since playing against the Titans in Nashville a year ago. Colts's win extends their regular season winning streak to 13 games, league best.
  • Titans go to 0-4.
  • Manning finished with 309 yards and three thouchdown passes

When the Titans and Colts met on October 11,

December 6, 2009 https://www.deseret.com/2009/12/6/20357151/colts-beat-titans-27-17-extend-win-streak-to-21/

  • Colts entered 11-0, Titans entered 5-6 and on a 5 game winning streak.
  • Colts extend regular game winning streak to 21 with win.
  • the Colts spent the second-half Sunday holding off the Titans (5-7).
  • Manning opened the game by taking the Colts 75 yards in 1:58, giving the ball to Addai for an 8-yard TD run. (7-0)
  • After Tennessee got a 20--yard field goal from Rob Bironas, Manning took the Colts 77 yards in 3:56 with Addai scoring on a 1-yard run to make it 14-3.
  • Then after failing to convert on Tennessee's first turnover, Manning took advantage of a second chance. Vince Young was picked off by Jacob Lacey with 5:43 left in the half and Manning responded with a 4-yard TD pass to Austin Collie for a 21-3 lead with 1:55 left in the half.
  • Young finally got the Titans back into it with a 6-yard TD pass to Kenny Britt.
  • But 20 seconds was too much time for Manning. The three-time MVP quickly got the Colts into field-goal range, thanks to a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty on Tony Brown that moved the ball to the Titans 30. Addai's 5-yard run set up Stover for a 43-yard field goal to make it 24-10 at the half.
  • Twice in the second half, the Titans went for it on fourth down in the Colts' red zone and failed both times. Tennessee also recovered an onside kick after scoring a late TD, but turned the ball over on downs.
  • Manning took Indy on a 15-play, 7:23 second drive, setting up Matt Stover for a 36-yard field goal with 3:14 left to seal it.

Colts went on to lose the Super Bowl.

December 9, 2010 (Thursday Night Football) (Nashville) https://web.archive.org/web/20170311112956/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/301209010

  • Manning completed 25-of-35 for 319 yard and two touchdowns, and the Indianapolis Colts snapped their three-game skid
  • Tennessee (5-8) has lost six straight
  • The Titans can blame themselves for mistakes that led to each of the Colts' first three touchdowns, including two defensive penalties on third-and-goal and a high snap over the punter's head.
  • Manning who really got back on track, putting the Colts up 21-7 at halftime
  • "Every time we play the Colts, it's been the same thing," safety Chris Hope said. "By the time we figure out we can play with them and compete with them, we run out of time. It's been the same story the last few times we've played them."
  • Titans ended a 14-quarter drought without an offensive touchdown when Chris Johnson rushed for a touchdown.
  • Tennessee closed to 27-21 when Kerry Collins tossed his second TD pass of the night, a 4-yarder to Bo Scaife with 7:59 left in the game. The defense forced the Colts to go three-and-out, but Tennessee couldn't pick up a first down, and fans booed when Fisher sent out the punting unit on fourth-and-1.
  • Manning made the Titans pay with a slant to Pierre Garcon, who shook off Jason McCourty and Hope while safety Michael Griffin whiffed as the receiver slipped up the right sideline for a 43-yard play. Adam Vinatieri ended the drive with his third field goal, a 47-yarder that made it 30-21 with 2:55 left.

https://www.colts.com/news/series-flashback-2010-9003936

  • Bulleted list item

January 2, 2011 (season finale game) (Indianapolis)

2012-2018: Andrew Luck Era

edit

The Colts had the worse record last year (2-14) so they acquired the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft. They used to to select Stanford QB Andrew Luck.

 
QB Andrew Luck was selected first-overall by the Colts in the 2012 draft. He has proven to be a constant source of frustration for the Titans, consistently overpowering them in every matchup. Upon his retirement, he concluded his career with an impeccable undefeated record against the Titans (11-0).

Game results

edit
Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans Season-by-Season Results
1970s (Tie, 2–2)
Season Results Location Overall series Notes
1970 Colts
24-20 		Houston Astrodome Colts
1-0 		Baltimore Colts join the newly formed American Football Conference (AFC) alongside the Houston Oilers as part of the merger deal. With 46 seconds left, QB Johnny Unitas throws a 31-yard game-winning touchdown to win 24-20. Colts win Super Bowl V
1973 Oilers
31-27 		Baltimore Memorial Stadium Tie
1–1 		With the win, the Oilers snapped an 18-game losing streak dating back to last season, setting a record for the longest losing game streak post-merge. The victory would later be the Oilers' only win in their 1973 season.
1976 Colts
38-14 		Baltimore Memorial Stadium Colts
2-1 		First matchup the home team wins.
1979 Oilers
28-16 		Baltimore Memorial Stadium Tie
2–2
1980s (Colts, 4–3)
Season Results Location Overall series Notes
1980 Oilers
21-16 		Houston Astrodome Oilers
3-2
1983 Colts
20-10 		Baltimore Memorial Stadium Tie
3–3 		Final game Colts played as a Baltimore team and final matchup played in Baltimore.
1984 Colts
35-21 		Houston Astrodome Colts
4-3 		Colts relocate from Baltimore to Indianapolis.
1985 Colts
34-16 		Hoosier Dome Colts
5-3 		First matchup played at Hoosier Dome and in Indianapolis.
1986 Oilers
31-17 		Houston Astrodome Colts
5-4
1987 Colts
51-27 		Hoosier Dome Colts
6-4
1988 Oilers
17-14(OT) 		Hoosier Dome Colts
6-5
1990s (Oilers 2-1)
Season Results Location Overall series Notes
1990 Oilers
24-10 		Houston Astrodome Tied
6–6 		Final matchup played in Houston.
1992 Oilers
20-10 		Hoosier Dome Oilers
7-6
1994 Colts
45-21 		RCA Dome Tied
7–7 		Hoosier Dome renamed to RCA Dome. Last matchup Oilers played as a Houston team and were known as the Oilers.
2000s (Colts, 11-6)
Season Season series at Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans Overall series Notes
1999-2000 AFC Divisional Playoffs Titans 1–0 Titans
19-16 		Hi Titans
8-7 		NFC Divisional Round. First postseason meeting in the rivalry. After relocating to Nashville two seasons ago, the Oilers changed their name to the Tennessee Titans. Titans lose Super Bowl XXXIV.
2002 Titans 2–0 Titans
23-15 		Titans
27-17 		Titans
10-7

Both teams are placed in the AFC South during the 2002 NFL realignment, resulting in two meetings annually.

2003 Colts 2–0 Colts
33-7 		Colts
29-27 		Titans
10-9 		Last time the Titans held the overall series record in the rivalry.
2004 Colts 2–0 Colts
51-24 		Colts
31-17 		Colts
11-10 		In Indianapolis, Colts score the most points in a game against the Titans with 51.
2005 Colts 2–0 Colts
35-3 		Colts
31-10 		Colts
13-10 		In Indianapolis, Colts record their largest victory against the Titans with a 32-point differential.
2006 Tie 1–1 Colts
14-13 		Titans
20-17 		Colts
14-11 		Colts win seven straight meetings (2003-2006). Colts win Super Bowl XLI
2007 Tie 1–1 Titans
16–10 		Colts
22–20 		Colts
15-12 		First-time rivalry is split with the road team winning.
2008 Tie 1–1 Colts
23–0 		Titans
31–21 		Colts
16-13 		In Indianapolis, Colts record the first shutout in the rivalry.
2009 Colts 2–0 Colts
27–17 		Colts
31–9 		Colts
18-13
2010s (Colts, 16–4)
Season Season series at Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans Overall series Notes
2010 Colts 2–0 Colts
23–20 		Colts
30–28 		Colts
20-13 		Last start in the series for Peyton Manning.
2011 Tie 1–1 Colts
27–13 		Titans
27–10 		Colts
21-14
2012 Colts 2–0 Colts
27–23 		Colts
19-13(OT) 		Colts
23-14 		First start in the series for QB Andrew Luck
2013 Colts 2–0 Colts
22–14 		Colts
30–27 		Colts
25-14
2014 Colts 2–0 Colts
41–17 		Colts
27–10 		Colts
27-14
2015 Colts 2–0 Colts
30–24 		Colts
35–33 		Colts
29-14
2016 Colts 2–0 Colts
24–17 		Colts
34–26 		Colts
31-14 		Colts win 11 straight games (2011-2016) and 9 straight at home (2008-2016).
2017 Titans 2–0 Titans
20-16 		Titans
36-22 		Colts
31-16 		Titans sweep Colts for the first time since the 2002 season.
2018 Colts 2–0 Colts
38–10 		Colts
33-17 		Colts
33-16 		Last start in the series for Andrew Luck. Luck finishes his career with an unbeaten record against the Titans, going 11-0.
2019 Tie 1–1 Titans
31-17 		Colts
19–17 		Colts
34-17
2020s (Titans, 5–3)
Season Season series at Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans Overall series Notes
2020 Tie 1–1 Titans
45-26 		Colts
34-17 		Colts
35-18 		In Indianapolis, Titans record their most points in a game against the Colts and their largest victory against the Colts with a 19-point differential.
2021 Titans 2–0 Titans
34-31(OT) 		Titans
25-16 		Colts
35-20
2022 Titans 2–0 Titans
24-17 		Titans
19-10 		Colts
35-22 		Titans win five games in a row, their longest win streak against the Colts.
2023 Colts 2–0 Colts
23-16 		Colts
31-28(OT) 		Colts
37-22
Summary of Results
Season Season series at Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans Notes
Regular season Colts 37-21 Colts 20-11 Colts 17-10
Postseason Titans 1–0 Titans 1–0 no games NFC Divisional playoffs: 1999
Regular and postseason Colts 37-22 Colts 20-12 Colts 17-10
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