By Clark Shelton
It was as predicted. Despite hoping that this was a “different” Titans team, simply put it wasn’t. The winless Jags came into LP Field on Sunday and despite 2 turnovers early in the game, walked away with the win. It’s now time to look back, and then ahead to the big match-up with the Colts in Primetime Thursday night at LP Field.
Cat Scratch Fever
It was hard to watch. The Titans just came out flat offensively and QB Jake Locker went down early with a season ending injury. Add to that 3 Titans turnovers and way too many penalties, and it was a recipe for disaster for the Titans. After a great performance the week before , RB Chris Johnson and Shonn Greene ran for a combined 52 yards. Add to that Johnson’s lost fumble and it was a miserable day for the offense. Locker, who went down early with a season ending foot injury, was replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick who did an admirable job, until he was stripped of the ball for the go ahead score late in the fourth quarter. WR Kendall Wright and TE Delanie Walker both had solid days and Rookie WR Justin Hunter also showed signs of brilliance. The O-line struggled at times, with a hold by Rookie Chance Warmack resulting in a safety. Defense…well, everyone but Bernard Pollard (who CBS announcers kept calling Marcus Pollard, a former Colts TE), did well. Apparently Pollard hasn’t got the memo from the NFL that the rules have changed since the 90’s and was tagged for 2 personal fouls in a crucial Jags drive. Otherwise, the defense played well with both Verner and McCarthy having interceptions. Special Teams looked improved , though, WR/KR Damien Williams went down with injury. Miscues by the coaching staff , including a Mike Munchak blunder, were glaring at best. Grade: C
NFL NETWORK Comes to Town for Primetime Matchup
Thursday night, the NFL Network comes to town for a 7:25 p.m. kickoff at LP Field. On the line is a chance to keep pace with a Colts team that just took a beating to old nemesis Jeff Fisher and the St. Louis Rams. Fitzpatrick is now “The Guy” for the Titans. The defense must use the same blueprint as the Rams did last week: force turnovers. Obviously, “Thunder and Lightning” is not reliable, so expect an improved passing game to be the key to the offense. This game may define Coach Munchack’s time with the Titans, not just from an administrative standpoint, but from the fans standpoint based upon the “boobirds” that were squawking on Sunday. No prediction this week, maybe not making a prediction will get us a win.
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