Week Two Recap: Titans late game heroics vs Lions

The Titans went to Ford Field in Detroit this Sunday and pulled off a 16-15 come from behind victory over the Lions to move to 1-1 on the season and stay within a game of Houston for first place in the AFC South, and move ahead of the Colts and Jaguars, who both dropped to 0-2.

The game started in typical Titans fashion. Following a penalty on the kick off (This is why you always take the knee), The Titans moved 64 yards to the Lions’ 29, but DeMarco Murray was stuffed on 2nd and 2, and Mariota was sacked on 3rd down to set up a 51 yard field goal, which Ryan Succop of course missed. After the defense forced a three and out, the Titans were pinned back at their own 5 yard line, and gave up a safety on the first play, with Murray getting hit immediately in his own end-zone after a handoff. Just like that, the Titans were down 2-0 despite outgaining their opponents 58-1.

The Lions quickly added insult to injury by marching 79 yards down the field for a touchdown on a beautiful throw from Matthew Stafford to 46 year veteran Anquan Boldin, and it looked like the Titans were in for a long day. Two more Titans drives into Lions territory yielded only a field goal, and a late second quarter field goal by Detroit gave them a 12-3 lead after a sloppy first half, and it seemed like the only drama in this one would be whether the two teams would break the record for most penalties in a game (they finished 8 short of the record of 37 set by Chicago and Cleveland in 1951).

The second half started just as ugly for the Titans, as their first drive ended on a bad pick for Mariota, who locked onto Rishard Matthews on a pass to the sideline. This was followed by a soul crushing 7 minute Detroit drive that ended in a field goal, and the Lions led 15-3 with only 1:40 left in the third quarter. At this point the Titans offense looked completely feckless, with little rushing threat and no downfield passing game to speak of.

Marcus Mariota and the Titans immediately got back into the game however, with an electric 5 play, 75 yard drive culminating in a 30 yard touchdown from Mariota to Delanie Walker, the Tight End’s first touchdown catch of the year.

 With the game again within reach, the D forced another punt, lucking out after Matt Stafford just missed Golden Tate on a deep route. The offense was unable to take advantage however, and the Lions got the ball back, but the Defense forced another punt, and Mariota got the ball back at his own 17 with 7:04 left and a chance to take back the lead.

After Murray went for 10 yards on first down, The Titans faced a 3rd and 5 from the 32, and Mariota found sure handed Tajae “Showtime” Sharp for 7 yards over the middle for a first down. 3 plays later, Mariota again converted on 3rd down, finding Demarco Murray on and out pattern. A 22 yard pass to Murray (who had another good day catching the ball) put the Titans on Detroit’s 25, but with the clock inside 3 minutes it was clear the Titans needed to punch this one into the end zone.

A 10 yard pass to Mathews was followed by a 6 yard run by Derrick Henry, and the Titans were inside the 10. An 8 yard slant to Andre Johnson looked like it put the Titans on the doorstep of victory, but offensive pass interference on an obvious pick play by Matthews sent them back to the 19. Mariota connected on short passes to Murray and Sharpe, setting up 4th and 4 with less than two minutes to go. With the game on the line, Mariota flipped the ball up to the veteran Johnson, who was able to haul it in over two Lions defenders. TOUCHDOWN TITANS! (In the voice of Mike Keith) Despite the subsequent failed 2 point conversion, the Titans had the lead, and a chance for their first victory of the season.

With the ball back in his hand, the always dangerous Matthew Stafford promptly converted a 3rd and 19 to move the Lions near midfield and put Titan’s fans hearts in their throats. But on the following third and 9 Perrish Cox picked off Stafford, and the Titans secured the win with a kneel down by Matt Cassell on his first (and hopefully only) snap of the season.

After only managing 64 yards on the ground against Minnesota in Week 1, the Titans running game came alive on Sunday with 139 yards on 24 rushes for an average of 5.9 yards per carry. The stats were misleading however, as Tennesse still hasn’t been able to control the game on the ground like we expected after DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry joined the team in the offseason. Taking out a 67 yard second quarter run by Murray, the team averaged just over three yards per rush, and were never able to base sustained drives on a pounding rushing attack. Outside of the long run the bright spot was Derrick Henry, who followed up a 3 yard performance in week one with 40 yards on 9 carries. He flashed impressive lateral quickness for a man his size, and looked like a player with a promising NFL career ahead of him.

Andre Johnson's Game Winning Touchdown

The passing game came alive in the second half, culminating in a 9-9 performance on the final drive. There is clear improvement in the receiving core from last season, especially in their ability to catch the ball. This innovation, long overlooked by Titan management, is a welcome improvement that should serve to help Mariota’s development tremendously. The game-winning catch by Johnson was the perfect example. Nobody on last year’s roster could make that catch. The Titans still need to work on stretching the field through the air, but this should be improved with the return of Kendall Wright, who is the type of player who can take a quick pass and turn it into a game changing play.

The Defense again looked solid, holding a potent Lions attack th
at torched the Colts to 15 points and only 238 passing yards. The front again looked like an elite NFL unit, largely stuffing the run and sacking Stafford 4 times. The coverage issues we saw in the preseason have yet to come up in the games that count, but the secondary will face a potent Raiders attack next week. One thing I want to see the Defense improve upon is forcing turnovers. The late Cox pick is the only one of the season, and the D will need to make game changing plays if the Titans are going to hang with the better teams in the league.

>>> https://www.facebook.com/therealtitansblog/ <<<

 Follow @twitterdev

#TitanUp #Titans #AlexOnTitans #BrettOnTitans #RabbleTV

Real Titans Blog Draft Q & A: Join the conversation

Real Titans Blog Draft Conversation:

Alex Boedigheimer (AB) and Brett field (BF) Real Titans Blog Contributors, Broadcasters, and Die Hard Titan Fans; talk draft. Please join the conversation and let us know what you think.

BF - We were planning on doing a draft article this weekend, and it looks like there is even more to talk about now with the Titans pulling off a big trade for the number one pick. What are your feelings on this trade, Alex? Is any part of you upset that the Titans won’t be picking number one any more?

AB - Well it is always exciting to be the number one pick but honestly I just didn’t see someone at one that would be worth more than having 6 picks in the top 76 selections this year. I mean I am glad the Rams saw someone worthy of the top spot. Also it gives our blog more time to live broadcast the draft! But in all seriousness Tunsil will be great but I think we can get a solid tackle later as well as give LeBeau flexibility to draft young talent for out D. So fire one back at you, what are the Rams thinking? And what does this mean for us?

BF- I still can’t figure out how this deal makes sense for the Rams. I liked Jared Goff in college, and Carson Wentz has off the chart measurables, but does anyone really think either of them is a number one pick? Not to mention worth trading up for? Look at the last 10 years of quarterbacks taken in the top 2 picks. Jameis Winston, Mariota, Andrew Luck, RG3, Cam Newton. That’s 4 Heisman winners, a two time runner up, and all 5 guys won a ton of games at big time college programs. It’s a tough sell to say that either Goff or Wentz is in that category. 

But back to the Titans, a small part of me is sad to know we won’t get Tunsil, since we really need to upgrade at Tackle, but having the picks is definitely more valuable. The Titans have holes all over the place, and this gives us a chance to fill several of them in one draft class. I’m interested to see how the draft plays out, and if Jon Robinson is a guy who drafts for need or talent. Speaking of which, what do you see as the Titans biggest need?

AB - Yeah I can agree with that outlook on the Rams. One interesting fact is that McNair, Flacco, Phil Simms, Doug Williams, were all FCS Qbs who played in the Super Bowl and besides Air McNair the other three all won titles. Therefore Carson Wentz will win a superbowl…...no but there has been some exceptional talent from the FCS level.

As far as Titans’ draft needs I think LB, DL, CB, RT are all up there. Not really sure if we will draft WR at this point but I think the biggest question is, do the Titans try to move up in the first round now that they are sitting at 15?

BF - Yeah I’m interested to see if they move back up as well. Who do you think they’d be targeting? It seems to me that RT and CB are the biggest areas of need. Is there anyone that will go in the 5-10 range you think they are in love with? I would assume the target would be a tackle, since keeping Mariota upright and healthy has to be priority number one for the franchise.

Jack Conklin OT Michigan State

The wide receiver question is an interesting one as well. Receiver play was clearly a weakness last year, but on paper this team looks like it could have the potential to have a great unit if DGB and Kendall Wright play to their potential. The Titans can’t afford another year of receivers dropping balls as much as they did last year. We’re running out of time and need to get this post up, so let me ask you this: As of right now, who is your prediction for the Titans first pick, and why?

AB - I think the Titans will stay at 15 if they can get Ronnie Stanley or Jack Conklin. If they see someone unexpectedly slipping and a chance to move up they have some potential to make the right trade. If Titans go CB I think Hargraves from Florida or Apple from Ohio State.

One thing I really want to see is drafting Eli Apple and then backing that up with Vonn Bell in the 3rd. Those two played really well together for the Buckeyes so why break that up? Could be a young duo that can shut down half of the field.

Hit me with your final thoughts and let’s get pumped for draft day! #TitanUp

BF - I agree that it will be Staney or Conklin at 15, followed by a DB at 32. I think the O Line is too big of a concern to wait until the second round to address, especially with a young QB back there.

I like Apple a lot too, and I wonder if they will try use the 32nd pick to trade up into the first round if he is available. This seems more likely to me than trading back into the top 10. Either way, it’s clear Jon Robinson isn’t afraid to make moves, which should make for a very exciting draft day.

We will have live Draft Coverage check our Facebook page for updates!

>>> https://www.facebook.com/therealtitansblog/ <<<

 Follow @twitterdev

#TitanUp #Titans #AlexOnTitans #BrettOnTitans #RabbleTV

No NFL Network No Problem Tune in here:

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

Tweet us at @RealTitansBlog

Tune in to the TNF game between the Titans and Jaguars >>>

Titans Present and Future: Offense

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 1^st 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 58^th 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 3^rd 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.

- Brett Field

@RealBrettField

 Follow @twitterdev

#TitanUp #Titans #AlexOnTitans #BrettOnTitans #RabbleTV

Real Titans Blog Rant! Come on man....

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.

3^rd and 20:

I never thought this would be a problem for an NFL team. Twice on 3^rd 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 3^rd 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 3^rd 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 3^rd 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.

Make no mistake the Dolphins game is a must win.

Rant over...

 Follow @twitterdev

#TitanUp #Titans #AlexOnTitans

Marcus Mariota Breakdown

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.

  Follow @twitterdev

#TitanUp #Titans #AlexOnTitans

Position Breakdown Recievers

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.

Thanks!


  Follow @twitterdev

#TitanUp #Titans #AlexOnTitans