After losing the AFC South title in Nashville in '08, Colts dominate struggling Titans 31-9 Sunday night

NASHVILLE - They called it a "Code Blue" night at LP Field.

Fans got baby blue t-shirts, baby blue towels, all in hopes of stopping the free fall of the AFC's best team in 2008, and a return to glory against their biggest rival the Indianapolis Colts.

But what the 69,000 plus fans got instead was a "Code Red." The team dressed in the all white brought out the white towels from the fans, and eventually the Tennessee Titans themselves.

Indianapolis' 31-9 win Sunday night was far from a work of art. There were two first half turnovers, nearly another fumbled kickoff, and then a interception that was dropped deep in their own territory.

But when you face a team that's the opposite of perfect, only a few timely plays-and mistakes by the Titans-were needed from the Colts to stay undefeated and take a commanding three game lead in the AFC South, a division they lost on this same field nearly a year ago to a Titans team that now sits 0-5.

"It's a very difficult place to play against an outstanding team that is extremely well coached but I think our guys came out and played with some enthusiasm and effort," said Colts head coach Jim Caldwell.

But capitalizing on Titan mistakes was what got them the win especially with 1:04 to go in the first half and the Colts up 14-9. Starting at their own seven, the Colts got the benefit of two roughing the passer calls against the Titans-one on Kyle Vanden Bosch and the other against Jacob Ford-that helped them churn up quick yardage. Then rookie Austin Collie made a backup secondary look the part, blowing past defenders, then using a few juke moves and a dive to punch in a 39 yard touchdown reception that turned the sell out crowd the color of their complimentary shirts.

"Peyton (Manning) has always done a good job in that two-minute operation where he gets us typically in position to get some points," said Caldwell of the final drive of the first half. "They certainly gave us a little help with those penalties, particularly with the 15-yard variety."

Starting the second half, the Titans didn't give them much reason to hang around, as a Tim Jennings interception and another Collie touchdown 5:02 into the third quarter began the mass exodus to the parking lots with the Colts taking what would turn out to be an insurmountable 19 point lead.

"I really don't think their record is indicative to the kind of team they are," said Manning of the Titnas. "They're still stingy. We kind of had to be patient."

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