Postgame: Titans vs. Ravens; Pregame: Titans vs. Broncos

Titans vs. Ravens

Let's look at some of the numbers for this game:

Titans

 - Matt Hasselbeck: 30 com - 42 att - 358 yds - 1 TD and 1 INT

 - Chris Johnson: 24 att - 53 yds

 - Kenny Britt: 9 rec - 135 yds - 1 TD

Ravens

 - Joe Flacco: 15 com - 32 att - 197 yds - 1 TD and 2 INT

 - Ray Rice: 13 att - 53 yds; 5 rec - 53 yds - 1 TD

The numbers obviously show that CJ is not 100% in the grove yet, but also show that Matt Hasselbeck has hit a nice stride by throwing the ball to Kenny Britt. Also, it shows that the offense is willing to go with what the defense is giving them. A huge complaint from the last few seasons is that the coaching staff had a plan and stuck with it no matter what. Now that the coaching staff has changed (and apparently more flexible), we can more quickly adjust to situational play.

Something that the numbers doesn't fully show is the defenses ability to shut down both running and receiving. Granted that the Ravens aren't the most prolific team in the passing game, but still it was nice to see the defense step up in this game. I have to give a big thumbs up to the move of Cortland Finnegan to nickelback on 3rd down passing situations. He is a beast across the middle of the field, and more than once dislodged or redirected the ball. Huge kudos also to Karl Klug. He was someone that I had serious doubts about, but he shows me that he is truly serious about excelling in the NFL.

As far as the rest of the game, I had some serious heart problems when I saw Bironas miss that first FGattempt. This was well within his range, and I felt like he still hadn't hit regular season form. However, he came back later to make up for his misstep. Also, the new kickoff rules has seriously inhibited the return game. SinceMariani is such a threat, no one is even allowing him the chance for a return.

Titans vs. Broncos

This game will be the real crucible for what we can expect out of the Titans this season. We will find out if the Jaguars game was an anomaly or the Ravens game. The Titans defense will get added pressure from the Broncos passing game. Last year Kyle Orton made the Titans defense look silly, but this year under new Defensive Coordinator Jerry Gray, the Titans are only allowing 172 yards a game (3rd in the NFL). The Broncos rushing game is not the quality of the Ravens, but with Knowshon Moreno and Willis McGehee they can certainly be a threat. The Titans rushing defense, although only 14th in the league against the run, was much improved over week 1, and have shown that they can shut down the best of what the league has to offer.

Look for the Broncos to challange the Titans with quick screen passes transitioning into the deep ball throughout the game.

Look for the Titans to try to get CJ on track against the Broncos 28th ranked run defense, but don't discount the Hasselbeck-to-Britt hookup.

Also, I know we have been calling for Jared Cook to have a breakout game, but he has yet to fully deliver. Withthe huge catch he had against the Ravens, I think Hasselbeck will show more confidence in his ability and will look to get him the ball more often.

Listen to the podcast for more...

Titans @ Jaguars Aftermath / Titans vs. Ravens - Do We Have a Chance

Jaguars 16 Titans 14 ...painful words to type, but not as painful as watching how the Titans performed in the game.

What I saw:

 - 4 straight special teams plays with penalties

 - CJ: 9 attempts for 24 yards

 - 7 drives that were 3 and out

 - defense gave up 1st down yardage on countless 3rd downs

Offense:

Positives

1. Kenny Britt (5-136-2TDs) - Shows mid-season form. 2 TD receptions; 1 showing his speed and the other showing his hand strength and footwork
2. Nate Washington (6-67) - He was the go-to guy when we needed a first down
3. Matt Hasselbeck (21-34-263yds-2TDs) - He showed confidence in the pocket and when he didn't get help in the running game, he showed that he could keep us in the game.

Negatives

1. The running game - CJ was more than just contained, he had nowhere to go. Many times there were Jaguars in every hole and every gap. The offensive line was surprisingly overmatched.
2. Failure during the clutch - Matt Hasselbeck threw off his back foot, threw to the wrong place, and ignored that we only needed a FG.
3. Damian Williams - If he keeps dropping passes, he will find himself on the fast track out of the NFL.

Defense:

Positives

1. Akeem Ayers (7 total tackles) - He showed a real hunger for attacking the ball, and tracked down the runner from behind
2. Barrett Ruud (14 total tackles) - He was able to deliver the tackles more than anyone else on the team.

Negatives

1. 3rd down defense - How many times did we get the Jags in 3rd and long, but we allowed a third-rate QB to throw for the 1st down.
2. Gerald McRath - too many missed tackles
3. No true sense of sticking with a scheme

This was heartbreaking to watch, and until the Titans can fix at least one of the major issues, I don't see them winning a single game.

Titans vs. Ravens

The Ravens were supposed to have a tough game last week against the Steelers, but absolutely crushed them. The Titans were supposed to have a close game, but by many thought to have the edge. Other than the score, the Jags were completely control of this game. Unless this was a complete anomaly on both parts, this could go very wrong for the Titans.

Listen to the podcast for more...

Recording a Podcast

We were supposed to have a podcast out tonight, but I had difficulty getting everyone the ability to record.

I did some research on recording Skype through GarageBand, and I think I have all the kinks worked out.

Stay tuned...

Chris Johnson and the Titans Finally Agree

Good news Titans fans!

Just when you thought there was no end in site, the Titans and CJ have agreed upon a four-year contract extension that is worth $53.5 million. His average salary will be $13.5 million a year, making him the top paid RB in the league. Not only that, it pays him in the elite players in the league.

Obviously it is too late to join the team for the last pre-season game in New Orleans, but let's hope that he can be ready to carry some of the load in the opener against Jacksonville.

Preseason: Titans 14 Vikings 3

This was a good first test for the Titans. The Vikings have several new players they wanted to see and showcase. QB Donovan McNabb was brought in to fill a hole for the Vikings, and was mentioned in several circles about a possible fit here in Tennessee. However, the star of the night has to be the rookie QB for Tennessee. Jake Locker went 7 for 10 for 89 yards and 1 TD, gave hope to all who believe, and turned the heads of all those that doubted.

Offense

The 1st string offense moved the ball well, but failed to score. There is still some work to do there, but you can't discount the fact that Matt Hasselbeck is a brand new element to this offense and Chris Johnson is still a holdout. The fumble on the Titans first drive was a mistake that is easily fixable with time together. 

Jake Locker looks significantly more accurate than the scouting reports and media would have you believe. He had 70% accuracy for the night, worked well under pressure, and carried himself in a confident manor with poise. When he was sacked, he pulled himself up and carried on with the next play. When he fumbled the snap, he picked it up and threw a TD pass. This guy has shown that he is more than just a good athlete. 

The RB position is definitely missing something without Chris Johnson, but Ringer, Stefon Johnson, and Harper had very good nights. Ringer would have had a much better night, but penalties called back at least one of his runs. I would like to see Harper hit the hole faster, and actually initiate contact with a DB. I also want Stefon Johnson to take this opportunity to showcase what he can do, and that his freak injuries were only a speed bump in his career.

The WR's had a good night. Hawkins is showing that he is willing to go get the ball. Damien Williams is still progressing nicely, and I wish he was higher on the depth chart. Kenny Britt didn't get on the field in training camp early enough to get into game day shape, and is still nursing an injury, so he is someone we hope to look forward to having a great year. The only WR that I am concerned with is Justin Gage. He is playing like someone who is not going to be on the team at the end of camp.

Other than Locker, the bright spot of the night in my eyes was the offensive line. The starters showed some real cohesion and the backups filled in nicely. I will say there was one blip when Kropog allowed a clean sack of Locker.

Defense

Another surprise of the night was the defensive line. Derrick Morgan looked good and had a sack on the night. Both rookie Zach Clayton and rookie Karl Klug looked like they belonged in the rotation (more so of Klug). Obviously this group needs more time together, but all signs show many sacks are in their future.

The linebackers and DBs are where there is a real battle for field time. Obviously Finnegan, Griffin, and Ruud are starters, but I can see all the rest of the positions open for debate. Yes, Ayers and Hope are both probably going to start, but Ayers is a rookie and Hope is getting pressure from both free agents and rookies. The other linebacking job is a battle between Witherspoon and McRath, and the other DB roles are also in similar battles. It's going to be fun to see how they all shake out. I will say that the rookies and backup DBs were the weakest part of our game, but there is plenty of time to gel in that area.

Special Teams

Kern and Mariani still looked like they are ready for the season. I am a little nervous that that the only FG attempt from Bironas was wide left. I hope that is just an anomaly. I think punt and kick coverage need work, but there are numerous rookies hoping to make the team and this is there opportunity to make an impact.

Overall

I thought this was a good effort. There are obvious things that need work, but I believe that some of our questions were answered in this game.