Mike Vrabel says Titans’ win over Colts good example of ‘formula’ Tennessee needs to be successful

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans held onto first place in the AFC South in Week 7, defeating the rival Indianapolis Colts, 19-10. As the final score indicates, this was not matchup that featured numerous highlight-reel plays or quarterbacks who threw for 400 yards and multiple touchdowns. This was a defensive grind-it-out matchup that came down to who wanted it more.

Following the game, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that the kind of defense his team played vs. Indy is the “formula” that leads the Titans to the win column.

“It’s great to get turnovers, and for the most part take care of the football,” said Vrabel. “That’s going to be the formula, if you guys haven’t figured that out. That’s how we’re going to have to play. And it’s a battle. That’s a good defense. That’s a very good defense. We were close on some things, and we’ll have to continue to look and work, but I am just extremely proud of these guys and proud of all three phases.”

It’s an interesting comment: “That’s how we’re going to have to play.” Maybe it could be taken as a shot fired at the makeup of the roster or how the offense has performed in general, but it’s more likely Vrabel meant that these kinds of wins are exactly what he wants. The former linebacker doesn’t want to get into a shootout with you; he wants to drag you into the mud and make the fight sloppy. He wants to see if your bite is the same after you get a few teeth knocked out.

The Titans entered Sunday with what was statistically the second-worst offense in the league. They averaged 278.2 yards of total offense per game in their first five contests and recorded just 254 yards Sunday. Ryan Tannehill led the No. 28 passing…