Only prime-time game of the season for your Tennessee Titans. Check out live coverage from the Real Titans Blog. We will kick off the broadcast at 7:15 CST. Mariota VS Bortles on Thursday Night Football. Go Titans! #TitanUp #TNF
Ever since the opening day blowout of Tampa Bay, this season
has been difficult for Tennessee Titans fans. After two straight weeks blowing
double digit leads, the Titans were thoroughly beaten by Miami last Sunday,
falling to 1-4 on the season. Despite the rough start, this is still a team
filled with young talent, and I’m excited to see what they do the rest of the
season. There are still 4 games left against the Texans and Jags, who are
struggling worse than the Titans, and if this team improves and works on finishing they can play with anybody on the schedule. I’m going to take this opportunity
to talk about why we should be excited about the Titans offense and how
Can the Titans keep Mariota upright?
they
can improve, this year and into the future.
Despite his struggles the last two games (and current injury)
Marcus Mariota has shown flashes of brilliance, and you can see how he can be a
good Quarterback moving forward. When the Titan’s offense is humming, like in
the first half against the Bucs and the 1st three quarters against
the Colts, it has largely been due to his good play. However he still needs to
work on his downfield passing and NEEDS to limit the turnovers after the 2
pick, 2 fumble game against Miami. I’d also love to see the Titans coaching
staff let him off the leash and utilize his running ability. When he’s taken
off it’s been successful, they need to work it into the offense more. Even if
this just means getting him out of the pocket on rollouts, allowing Mariota to
use his legs will force defenses to come up with a way to defend him rather
than dropping more men in coverage.
As for the receivers, I believe this group has talent but
isn’t being utilized well. Nobody has stepped up yet, as the leading pass
catcher. Currently Delanie Walker, who is 58th in the NFL in that category, is our best target. Dorial
Green-Beckham is a great talent who was taken with an early second round pick,
but hasn’t seen much action yet. With his size and athletic ability, I believe
we will see him blossom into a star if given the opportunity to build a rapport
with Mariota. I also like Kendall Wright a lot, as he is so dangerous with the
ball in his hands. The Titans coaching staff needs to figure out how to get him
the ball space more often. These two, along with Delanie Walker, could form a
strong receiving core for years to come. I hope we see them used more as the
season goes along.
Running back has been a problem, as nobody averages over 32
yards per game. The lack of a credible run game has hurt the Titans in 3rd
and short and goal line situations this year.
Can David Cobb be the answer to the Titans' rushing woes?
The main issue is that the “Running Back by Committee” (RBBC) approach doesn’t allow anybody to get into the rhythm of the game. The Titans need to find a back that they feel comfortable giving 20 touches a game, and let him do his thing. Dexter McCluster has been great in the 3rd down/scatback role, but isn’t built to be the main guy.
Antonio Andrews wants to be a starting running back, but is averaging less than
three yards per carry. Bishop Sankey looks tentative whenever he touches the
ball, and Terrance West is currently in the witness protection program since
fumbling in each of the first two games. With David Cobb coming back, I hope he
can be the guy. In any event, the Titans need to figure out if they have a
credible starting running back on the team this year, and if they don’t they
need to take one in the draft. If they can get this position figured out, it
will do wonders for Mariota’s development.
That brings me to the Offensive Line. This has been the
worst group on the team, and needs to step up in a big way for the Titans to
make a run this season. Mariota has been sacked on the second highest percent
of drop backs this season, behind Russell Wilson. Add this to the numerous
penalties that put the offense in rough positions, and the line needs to step
up. The Titans need to protect Mariota and let him develop, and this can’t
happen if he’s on his back. This is the area with the biggest need for
improvement, and I expect we will see even more focus put into the O-Line next
offseason. Which is crazy considering we have invested top picks and millions of dollars on this unit. Possibly indicating Webster and the front office our struggling in terms of talent per dollar.
Make sure to come back next week for our analysis of the
Titan defense, and tune in to our broadcast as the Titans take on the Falcons
at 12:00 PM CDT this Sunday.
Well the Titans dropped another winnable game (gave it away)
and it really frustrates me.
I am sure Titan Nation is on my side. Now that being said I see some great
potential but I have been saying that for awhile. Today’s blog post is going to
focus on the frustrations I have and what I think we need to do better. Let me
know if I am way off base.
3rd and 20:
I never thought this would be a problem for an NFL team. Twice on 3rd
and 20 we let the Colts convert virtually costing us a game and allowing them
to score 21 pts in the fourth quarter. Fast forward to the bills game we have
them dead to rights and on 3rd and 23 we allow Tyrod Taylor to run
for 26 yards….ugh!
(Insert profanities here)
Well this is the single thing I would point my finger to as reasons we lost
both games. I mean come on Dick LeBeau knows better. Where was the QB spy on a
3rd down play when Taylor had done very little through the air? A
basic keep the ball in front of you mentality is all we needed.
In the colts game we allow a TD pass on 3rd and 20 that should have
been a FG attempt. These huge mistakes are what keep the titans at the bottom
of the league.
Deep Passing:
I don’t know if it is Whiz’s lack of confidence in Mariota or a problem with
arm strength but the Titans rarely take shots down field. As this continues to
happen defenses will watch tape and play us much the way teams attack Alex
Smith. Mariota was 1-7 with an INT on passes over 10 yds. That needs to change.
Now there is some blame that falls on our pass catchers but
Mariota needs to fix this soon.
The Titans had a real chance to be 3-1 at this point. The Colts game is just
another reason I hate them so much. How can they always pull it out when
needed?
Titans need to step up. We need individual players to make a catch, force a
fumble, throw a great pass in key moments of games. As I watch football all
weekend I see these teams, across the league, make spectacular plays. We just
don’t do it. We have Talent, Walker, Hunter, DGB, Wright I mean these guys are
good but it just never seems to come together.
My challenge to the Titans is to go win a game by out
playing the other team rather than stingily clutching to an evaporating lead
hoping the time runs out before we lose.
Author: Brett Field Co-Broadcaster and Real Titans Blog Contributor.
Alex and I both grew up in Oregon he being an Oregon State Beavers fan and me siding with the Oregon Ducks. As rivals in college football we have formed a truce to support the Tennessee Titans. Alex started this blog a few years ago and has seen a great response from die hard fans like you. Recently, when Mariota was drafted, we did a live Q and A for the blog. Recently we were contacted to broadcast game on Sunday and jumped at the opportunity. Anyway enough with the background here is my take on our new QB Marcus Mariota.
As a lifelong Oregon Ducks football fan and newly minted
Tennessee Titans fan (We don’t have a team in Oregon), I’d like to share my
thoughts on quarterback Marcus Mariota with the faithful followers of our blog before
the season starts. To help get Titans
fans acquainted with Mariota, I’ve decided to break down his strengths and
weaknesses, complete with visual aids for your convenience.
Strengths:
Poise
While
Mariota’s physical skills are both prodigious and well documented, his best
attribute is his poise under pressure and ability to bounce back from a bad
series. I think this an underrated
attribute for young quarterbacks in the NFL, as most will truly struggle for
the first time in their athletic careers. When Mariota faced adversity either
due to his personal performance or his team’s performance his demeanor remained
cool, calm, and collected, which helped his team bounce back and rally in the
second half. One of my favorite examples
was the 2013 game against Oregon State, where he bounced back from one of his
worst performances as a Duck to lead his team on this game winning drive:
Accuracy
With a
68% completion percentage a 10-1 TD to interception ratio at Oregon last
season, it’s no secret that passing accuracy is one of Mariota’s best qualities. His tenure in Eugene featured precision
passing, both in the pocket and in the run, that moved the ball down the field
and allowed his receivers to make big plays after the catch. Much has been made of Marcus “not throwing
into tight windows” in college, but in my view this is utter nonsense. Any quarterback on an elite team in college enjoys
a line and receivers that are better that their counterpart in almost every
game, and reaps the benefits of this talent disparity. I think this video of his game against Cal in
2012, when he set the school record for touchdowns in a game, is a good example
of making these throws into coverage.
Escapability
Mariota
has shown a unique ability to avoid pressure in the pocket and keep plays
alive. This is a trait that will serve
him well this season, as we can expect him to come under pressure quite a
bit. This talent comes from three
sources. He is able to identify pressure
and know when to move in the pocket. Then,
his athleticism allows him to escape the pressure. So many times during his career at Oregon, we
were amazed at Mariota’s balance and ability to sidestep would be
tacklers. Very few NFL QBs have this,
and it will be a huge advantage. What
really makes Mariota’s escapability great however is his ability to keep his
eyes down the field and turn a broken play into a big gain. Too many athletic quarterbacks immediately try
to run in this situation, but Mariota consistently looks for the receiver left
open when the pocket collapses to make the big play downfield. These traits are all on display in this big
play against Arizona in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Weaknesses
Fumbling
While Mariota is legendary for avoiding picks
in college, fumbles are a different story.
He often struggled to hang onto the ball both in the pocket and on the
run. He will have to address this issue,
especially with the pressure he will likely face behind the Titan’s rebuilt
offensive line.
System
Experience
Mariota
played in a much different system in college, and will have to adapt to the
Titans more “Pro-Style” offense this season.
From things as simple to taking snaps under center and calling plays in
a huddle to the intricacies of pre-snap calls, there is much to learn. How quickly he can grasp this will likely
determine how successful his first season in Nashville will be.
I’m excited for what Marcus Mariota can bring to the Titans
this season. At the very least, we have
one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the game who should keep us all
entertained each and every Sunday. Let
us know what you think by leaving a comment below, and be sure to check our Facebook page on Sunday to listen to our one of a kind live broadcast.
Author: Brett Field co Broadcaster and Real Titans Blog Contributor.
Training camp is right around the corner and the Titans have been on ESPN more time this off-season than ever before, well except for 2000. Anyway, thank you Mariota!
We will eventually get to the QBs but the group I am most excited for and has to be much improved if the Titans want to do anything this year is our receiving core.
Let's break it down by player.
Justin Hunter: This dude has so much potential and everyone can see it. Most people are calling this a make or break season for his career. I tend to agree but I also feel it is unfair to any of our receivers if we do not have solid play at the QB position. Coach Whiz is trying to assemble a team that mirrors his success in the past. Hunter fits the build perfectly. Whiz had Fitzgerald and Boldin during his Super Bowl run. Hunter and DGB both serve those roles. Hunter is a perfect number 2 if DGB is as beastly as he can be.
Dorial Green-Beckham: The REAL Beckham, ok maybe not yet, but he has the raw ability to be the best Beckham in American football. He is huge, fast, athletic, but didn't play last season. Stereotypical WR with a lot of potential and skill but had attitude issues. I think he will be fine in Nashville and I project him to dominate early on. Fantasy breakout for sure. I would say Mett fits his style better but Mariota will have to step up and throw some bombs to Hunter and DGB. Great pick as well. Bravo Webster.
Kendall Wright: Probably the most versatile player. He had a down season but so did the Titans. He needs to be more involved. He is a baller out there and can dominate the slot. I don't have very many negatives to say about him. We will see how Mariota works with Hunter and Wright after their embarrassing reaction to the draft pick.
Delanie Walker: Great season. I expect him to do more of the same. It really looks if Walker demands the most attention and three guy above will have opportunities.
The Rest:
Hakeem Nicks
Harry Douglas
Tre McBride
I hope Douglas and Nicks serve a roll but I do not want them to stunt our youth movement. Nicks may just need a change of scenery and Douglas was solid when asked to step up after injuries to Julio Jones. I don't know much about McBride but if he makes the team he will probably be a special teamer. But I have heard that he has been solid so far. Good luck to him.
My overall consensus is that our receiving core can be elite if on field production matches up to potential. This is a very exciting group and I think we will be impressed if Mariota handles the NFL translation well. If not is could be another year before we see an explosive offense. The arsenal is ready but can we put it together?
Let me know if you have something to add or I completely whiffed on something.
Please tweet or comment your questions and opinions. We will be at a local watering hole so give us a few questions so we can have an excuse to have a few beers. Send tweets to @RealBrettField and/or @TheRealAlexBoed. We are both Oregon natives with very different views on the QB situation so pick a side and join in. Click on any of the butons below for the live stream.
As reported by Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, LeBeau will be joining the Titans as an assistant head/defensive coach. Now let's get into what this means.
LeBeau is 77 years young and has been in the NFL for 56 years. Wow! LeBeau has extensive history with Horton and Whiz which could be a good thing. Horton's current defense is a similar but tweaked version of a tradition LeBeau 3-4 defense.
In a perfect world:
LeBeau and Horton work seamlessly together by discussing and working hand in hand to create a nasty defense in Tennessee. I have great confidence in this situation but it also comes with some concession of Horton. LeBeau's real value will come in adjustment and player talent analysis. He has a pretty good track record of making solid decisions on personal and his opinion should be taken with a great deal of respect from Ruston Webster and co. I truly think he will be a great addition to our talent evaluation and draft war room team. I hope all of this comes true!
Worst Case Scenario:
LeBeau simply doesn't have it anymore and lacks the energy and passion to truly turn Tennessee around. A team that has a long way to go may be too much for LeBeau at this stage of his career. We look like a team who wants to become "Steeler light" so hopefully this will help.
My analysis:
Great hire. LeBeau will pick Leonard Williams as a great 5 technique player and pair him with Casey. If you follow my FaceBook page you know I love this idea. Texans have J.J Watt we have two beasts. Also, anyone who Andrew Luck will have to face and fear I love the idea of. Lastly, some ex Steelers will follow him, maybe a James Harrison, Jason Worlids, or someone like that. Anyone who can be an upgrade at the pass rushing OLB position will be great.
As we all know the Titans lost their opportunity to have the first overall selection in the upcoming draft.
Damn Saints!
Let's get this out of the way first. I don't think we should draft Winston, but if we do I will support him. That being said, I don't see Andrew Luck rookie season turn around potential in Famous Jameis. Although Jameis does throw the ball beautifully and his team truly views him as a leader I just don't see enough of a jump from Mett to him, as far as skill, to off set the off field baggage. Also, the amount of times our QBs got hit was ridiculous so unless Jameis is not human he would probably get hurt too.
The play here to get the Titans back competing for AFC South championships again is to trade out of the two spot. Let's lay out some scenarios:
Jets: We move down to six pick up at least 3 additional pick in this years draft and a couple in next years draft. We can still address defense at 6 plus add more pieces throughout the draft or package those pics to move up in a later round, a la Justin Hunter trade.
Eagles: This would be nuts! I don't think it can happen with us unless Tampa drafts Winston or Leonard Williams at number 1. So put this on the side and if in fact Tampa leaves Mariota we will have a few minutes to hold the king's ransom and cash in big time.
These are the two big scenarios I have heard swirling but others to consider:
Rams, Bills, Texans, Skins.
Rams deal could be intriguing since they pulled something similar recently.
Bills new coach means new qb, but what could they offer?
Please don't trade with the Texans all we need is to be cursed!
Skins would be a nice fit if they boot RGIII.
The Titans have numerous problems as a franchise and no one person in this draft can change that. There is nothing I don't like about Mettenberger. We just have to distance ourselves from the hype machine which we call the draft and we will be able to turn that pick into multiple starters. It's simply a numbers game.
Now there is some blame that falls on our pass catchers but
Mariota needs to fix this soon.
Dorial Green-Beckham: The REAL Beckham, ok maybe not yet, but he has the raw ability to be the best Beckham in American football. He is huge, fast, athletic, but didn't play last season. Stereotypical WR with a lot of potential and skill but had attitude issues. I think he will be fine in Nashville and I project him to dominate early on. Fantasy breakout for sure. I would say Mett fits his style better but Mariota will have to step up and throw some bombs to Hunter and DGB. Great pick as well. Bravo Webster. 
LeBeau is 77 years young and has been in the NFL for 56 years. Wow! LeBeau has extensive history with Horton and Whiz which could be a good thing. Horton's current defense is a similar but tweaked version of a tradition LeBeau 3-4 defense.
