Last night, the Tennessee Titans traveled up to Philly for a date with the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2019 preseason opener. They picked up a 27-10 victory, and boy does it feel good to have Titans football back on my television. I should preface this piece by saying I don’t think we really learned jack shit about what this team is going to be in 2019 last night. But, there are a few interesting nuggets to come out of it, so let’s dive in.
Arthur Smith got that BDE
Or, as we’re trying to make happen, that ‘fat dick spirit.’ Bottom line – we got a glimpse at how new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is going to call plays, and let me just say, “daddy likey.” Lots of play action, some nicely designed misdirection, and as aggressive as a mama goose, y’all.
We might not have had the thoroughbreds out for the whole game, and I’m a million percent positive that we didn’t see everything under the hood of that engine. But the philosophy…the dynamic…of the play-calling shined through just enough to get me excited about what’s to come.
Taywan Taylor should be feeling some heat
Yo, I did a solo episode of The Unofficial Titans Podcast a while back profiling Tajae Sharpe. I heard a couple clap backs when I said we should be talking about Sharpe as the #4 instead of Taywan Taylor.
AIN’T HEARIN’ THAT TODAY.
Given ample playing time last night, Taylor hauled in two catches for 16 yards on five targets. But, the drops were bad – Taylor continues to have a problem with body catches. I tweeted last night that someone needs to let him know it’s okay to catch a ball with his hands and not his elbows.
I don’t want to overreact to one bad preseason game, but frankly, this has been going on for awhile now. He had some bad drops in critical moments last season, and hasn’t exactly been lighting it up in training camp.
Instead of pushing for the 4th receiver spot, he has Kalif Raymond hot on his heels for a roster spot! Raymond absolutely showed out last night – hauling in six receptions for 80 yards, but displaying a gritty willingness to go in and make the tough catches in traffic.
I’m not one of the ones saying, “cut Taylor now.” But, I think that seat should definitely be heating up.
Ryan Clark doesn’t know shit about the Titans
WTF is this shit?
Looks like a kool QB battle in Tennessee. Mariota looked like a freshmen at Oregon & Tannehill is running it up. Too early? ♂️
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 9, 2019
Here we go. We can’t even make it through one fucking preseason game before national media guys are talking about a quarterback battle, despite Mike Vrabel and company stating that Marcus Mariota is the starter every step of the way this offseason.
And, why are we saying this? Because Ryan Tannehill balled out against backups?!?! Are you kidding me?
Surprisingly, that wasn’t even Clark’s worst take on the Titans last night.
Mariota has to be angling to play elsewhere.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 9, 2019
Excuse me……BASED ON WHAT?!?!? Because he threw the ball FOUR TIMES in the PRESEASON OPENER!?!?! He’s angling to get that big contract elsewhere. Give me a break, man – do you even know the Titans play in Nashville? Is this the first Titans game you’ve ever watched?
Let me hear it from the rafters – THERE. IS. NO. QB. BATTLE. IN. TENNESSEE.
Notes
- Mariota went 4/8 for 24 yards – I think it’s safe to say we didn’t really learn anything at all about where he’s at heading into 2019.
- I like Jeremy McNichols, Dalyn Dawkins, and Alex Barnes. Should the Titans consider keeping SIX fuckin’ running backs on the roster? Stay tuned.
- Cody Hollister is making this receiver depth race interesting.
- I still say Sharif Finch is going to surprise some people on the national scene this season. He generated some nice pressure on a play that resulted in a LeShaun Sims sack.
- I know that they’re just resting Rodger Saffold, but if they have to roll out Week 1 with Jamil Douglas at the starting LG position, they gon’ be in trouble.
- Isaiah Mack caught my eye a couple of times last night. He had a couple of bad penalties, but overall, I thought he played well. The Titans could use some depth along the defensive line, so that’s definitely encouraging.
- Just a quick statement here: Rashaan Evans is going to have a good season.
- If the third string Titans end up playing the third string anybody this season, they gon’ be aight.
The Titans return to action at home on 8/17 to host the New England Patriots at 6:00PM CST.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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