Titans Eye Test: This Is the Team We Thought We’d See

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Quite the scare in SoBros Land yesterday as your boy, “Big Natural,” about passed out from dehydration doing some work around the ranch before the game kicked off. With that in mind, I was a little in and out of consciousness during the game and still haven’t found the time to sit down and watch every snap.

Listen, I’m just being honest with you guys. I don’t pretend to be a football genius. I’m screwed up just like everyone else. Anyway, it was a huge win in Jacksonville yesterday, as the Tennessee Titans cruised to a 37-16 bundling of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Let’s jump right in to this week’s Titans Eye Test:

What Went Wrong

It’s hard to find negatives in a 37-16 win against a divisional opponent that played extremely well last week, but if I’m going to nitpick, it has to be the slow starts. This week wasn’t as bad as failing an onside kick attempt, but the Titans offense appeared to be moving through quicksand in the first half of the game. They finally turned it on after halftime, but if this team is going to make any sort of noise in the playoffs, it can’t fall behind early when facing better teams. They better clean that up before the Seattle Seahawks come to town next week.

Also, the continued absence of Kevin Dodd has to be a bit of a concern. At some point, it’s going to be make or break for the second year linebacker.

What Went Right

Just about everything – the offense looked…’multiple’ is a good word here…the offense looked multiple. The defense forced a few turnovers and took advantage when they did. But, specifically, the Titans did exactly what they wanted to do. They controlled the game, wore down Jacksonville’s defense, and then stomped on the jugular. That’s what this team is capable of when they aren’t chasing seven points for the entire game.

Also, the young players continue to shine. On top of Derrick Henry’s good game, Taywan Taylor looked excellent, Jonnu Smith scored his first career touchdown, Jayon Brown made some plays, and Adoree Jackson continued to impress.

Looking Around the AFC South

The Titans are now 1-1 atop the AFC South, sitting 1-0 in the division. Indianapolis has played to NFC West teams so far, so they’re 0-0 in the division, but are an ugly 0-2 overall. If Deshaun Watson continues to progress, and the Texans offense improves, they may pose the biggest threat to the Titans. I’m not ready to count out the Jaguars, either. As bad as they played today, that’s still a defense loaded with talent. All things considered, the Titans look like the best team in the division so far.

Running Back Controversy?

Derrick Henry averaged 6.6 yards-per-carry in a performance that saw him total 92 yards on the ground with a touchdown. Meanwhile, DeMarco Murray rushed for 25 yards and 0 touchdowns, before sitting out with another hamstring issue. Henry has been the better back for the Titans so far this season. But, I don’t really think there’s going to be much of a controversy. When healthy, both of these guys are going to be used generously. I just love stirring up that segment of the Titans fan base that has been calling for more Henry for a year now.

Fan Impact

Reports came out on Twitter that the Titans fans in attendance were treating Blake Bortles like an opposing goaltender in Bridgestone Arena during hockey season. “BOOOORRTLES! BORRRRRTLES! You suck! It’s all your fault!” If we can make this a thing at all Titans games, I’m 100% on board. Good on you, Smashville faithful.

Also, check out this Jags fan who is obviously disgusted with his team:

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I love Derrick Henry absolutely steamrolling Jalen Ramsey, known dick, en route to a touchdown:

And, it was a banner day for the Titans social media account:

Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. A strong advocate of GSD (get shit done) and #BeBetter, he’s down to talk Tennessee Titans and Alabama Crimson Tide football over a beer any day. Check him out covering the WWE for WrestlingNews.co. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley, @WrestlingNewsCo

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