The Indianapolis Colts have won nine games and seven of their past eight.
It goes without saying, but that comes as a surprise.
But the Colts aren't being too convincing, winning eight of nine by seven points or less. Their trend of falling behind early and battling back, while exciting, could be dangerous for a team making a playoff push.
With two of its last three games coming against the division leading Texans, Indianapolis will need to buck the trend of putting itself into an early hole.
Alas, the Colts (9-4, 3-1 AFC South) were again victorious Sunday, beating the Titans 27-23 in Indianapolis. Tennessee fell to 4-9, 0-5 in the division.
Offense: B-
It's as if the offense is doing just enough to win each week. Which is fine, of course, until it isn't. Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck seemed off, going just 16 of 34 for 196 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Running back Vick Ballard was pretty effective, rushing 19 times for 94 yards. But again, it seems like the Colts are having trouble starting games and tend to fall behind immediately. The offense needs some time to get revved up, which will be a problem in coming games against Houston, who may not fold as quickly as the Detroits and Tennessees of the world. Previous game's grade: B-
Defense: B
Any time you can get points out of your defense you're happy. Cornerback Cassius Vaughn had pretty much the easiest interception return for a touchdown ever, but the Colts defensive unit had a lot of trouble with Titans quarterback Jake Locker. Locker wasn't afraid to use his legs -- he was the team's leading rusher with 51 yards -- and he and Kenny Britt were almost unstoppable through the air. Locker missed a couple throws in the end zone, so, like the offense, the defense did just enough to get buy. Vaughn, in particular, had a great game with eight tackles to go along with his pick-six. Previous game's grade: B-
Special teams: B+
Something that has perhaps been overlooked all these weeks is the fact punter Pat McAfee is having a terrific season. McAfee's four punts Sunday averaged more than 53 yards, and he pinned the Titans deep twice. The coverage teams were good, the returns teams OK, and kicker Adam Vinatieri hit a couple of big kicks. Solid performance all around. Previous game's grade: B
Coaching: B-
There were some questionable decisions in terms of the starting lineup Sunday, as Pat Angerer got the start ahead of linebacker Kavell Conner. Angerer was scarcely effective -- he's been hurt all year after breaking his foot in the preseason -- and it seems the coaching staff was trying to get him some more time on the field. No harm done, in the end, as Conner saw plenty of action. Previous game's grade: B
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Colts blogger Evan Hilbert, follow @CBSColts.
