Colts avoid killer mistakes, get by pesky Titans

This was a closer game than it should have been, as the defense was inexplicably unable to control Tennessee's passing game.  They were able to keep Chris Johnson bottled up for the most part, excepting a couple of runs where we lost outside contain.

Jeff Linkenbach stepped in at LT for an injured Charlie Johnson and did a good job, especially in blocking for the run.

Donald Brown showed that he can run the ball inside just fine when he is not getting smashed in the backfield.

The Colts actually ran the ball effectively on occasion last night.

More later in the week, great win for the Colts!

Jeff Linkenbach's performance Sunday against the Bengals = a mixed bag.

In re-watching the game I noticed some issues with Linkenbach playing right guard in the place of the injured Mike Pollock.  The Colts reportedly started him over Devan because he brings more power to the position.  The tape bears that out.  He definitely is a better run blocker at guard that DeVan is.  But that is not hard.

The problem came when it came time to pass block.  Or not pass block as was the case.  Linkenbach required help to handle Bengals DT Pat Simms, who is a good player.  Whenever he did not get help, he was a turnstile.  He was not getting bullrushed, the problem was lateral quickness.  This was surprising to me since you would figure since he is listed as a tackle that he would do better in that area.  This may be something that can be fixed with technique; so he bears watching.

The rest of the line played ok for most of the game.