The Tennessee Titans hosted the Seattle Seahawks in Nashville yesterday in a big game early in the season. For the Seahawks, it was about getting that stagnant offense going. For the Titans, it was about making a statement. After a dominant win over Jacksonville, the Titans were eager to show that they were legit.
What Went Wrong
Despite the loss, this was actually a bit of a breakout game for the Seahawks offense. Before this game, they scored just one touchdown on the season. Russell Wilson threw four touchdowns, though the Titans effectively shut down the run. The Titans got the stops when they mattered, but with two of Wilson’s touchdowns going to running back Chris Carson and Luke Willson, the Titans could stand to brush up their coverage in the middle of the field.
Before the game, I said the Titans couldn’t let Doug Baldwin take this game over. #89 finished with 10 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown, before leaving the game with a groin injury. The Titans still need to clamp down on elite playmakers, but at least now, they have the offense to score with just about anybody.
The Titans pressured Wilson aplenty yesterday, but they only brought him down once. Erik Walden recorded the lone sack of Wilson for the day. A lot of big opportunities left on the field, but in a game like yesterday, remember, we’re going to be reaching for nitpicks. The Seahawks offensive line looked pretty rough, and if they don’t straighten it up, Wilson’s going to be running for his life all season.
What Went Right
Wow. Did that offensive line look good against that stout Seahawks defense or what? In fact, the o-line didn’t allow a single sack, or even a hit, when Mariota stayed inside the pocket. Per Pro Football Focus, they only allowed two pressures on Mariota the entire game. When Richard Sherman hit Mariota late out of bounds, his line was right there ready to devour Sherman. Could you imagine a one-on-one fight between Sherman and Taylor Lewan? Lewan would literally break Sherman.
As for the hit itself, it was totally uncalled for. I wouldn’t have complained one bit had Lewan or anyone thrown a punch in that instance. Even guys like Jurrell Casey and Brian Orakpo came off the sidelines to throw their two cents in. I love Mike Mularkey’s quote, “I would be disappointed if we didn’t retaliate to something like that.” It was cheap – it was a veteran seeing an opportunity to take a quarterback that was gashing them out of the game.
But, before the late hit, Sherman argued with the officials without a helmet on for an excessive amount of time. The officials could have ejected him for that. They called Sherman for interference, holding, and unsportsmanlike conduct all on the same play. After being told to watch it, he continued to jaw with the ref. No clue why the ref didn’t toss him then.
That Seahawks defense was looking for any advantage it could find. That unit was fuckin’ gassed as the Titans’ offensive line just wore them down. Big day for the big beef.
Outside of the offensive line, you have to look at the continued progress of rookie tight end Jonnu Smith. Another week, another touchdown, but he had some key blocks in the run game, too.
Kevin Byard and Logan Ryan played 100% of the snaps on defense. Byard is really starting to look like an elite safety in the NFL. Adoree Jackson, Brice McCain, and LeShaun Sims all made plays yesterday. For a unit that was a downright liability last season, it looks like the secondary is really starting to gel.
The most encouraging note coming out of this game is that the Titans actually finished off a quality opponent. Maybe a season or two ago, the Titans allow Wilson to create some magic, come back, and win the game. Not the 2017 Titans – they stepped on the throat of the Seahawks.
Looking Around the AFC South
The Houston Texans put forth a tremendous effort against the New England Patriots yesterday, leading the game well into the fourth quarter. Deshaun Watson has given that offense a spark, which has to concern Titans fans at least a little bit. Next week, the Texans host the Titans.
The Indianapolis Colts get a big win against a scrappy Cleveland Browns squad. But, the fact that the Colts are relieved to beat the Browns should tell you where they are so far this season. Up next, the Colts travel to Seattle on Sunday night football for a game between two teams who desperately need to finish the first quarter of the season with a win.
Perhaps most surprisingly, the Jacksonville Jaguars romped the Baltimore Ravens, 44-7, in London on Sunday. With a trip to New York to play the Jets upcoming, the Jags could start the season 3-1. Maybe they’re for real after all?
.gif City
How about Erik Walden taking down Russell Wilson and forcing him into submission?
Erik Walden with a cross face chicken wing on Russell Wilson that would make Bob Backlund proud. #Titans pic.twitter.com/XyBr2ItUcA
— SoBros Network (@SoBrosNetwork) September 24, 2017
What was Wesley Woodyard doing here?
Wesley Woodyard having fun. #GuysBeingDudes #Titans pic.twitter.com/g5fZIQFacG
— SoBros Network (@SoBrosNetwork) September 24, 2017
I loved Josh Kline absolutely clearing out Richard Sherman on a block. That’s football, folks.
Tennessee #Titans guard Josh Kline excellent v SEA. Been outstanding in pass protec this year & great pull here to set Henry loose #TitanUp pic.twitter.com/XqEb8TSZKP
— Tom Like (@TomLikeNFL) September 25, 2017
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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