The Tennessee Titans went up to Cleveland yesterday and rocked the Cleveland Browns to the tune of 43-13. To say things went perfectly for the Titans and disastrously for the Browns would be an understatement.
The Titans played a well-balanced offensive game, attempting 24 passes, and carrying the ball 28 times. Arthur Smith had a hell of a debut as offensive coordinator. They were safe on special teams. But, it was the defense that looked downright dominant in Cleveland.
Let’s face it, though – when a team commits 18 penalties and racks up 182 yards the other way because of it, that’s going to help. Nonetheless, the Titans defense made it hard for Baker Mayfield and company to ever really find sustained success on offense. The Browns were flustered – Myles Garrett threw a punch…Greg Robinson (who is apparently a better blocker on his back than standing up) kicked a guy in the head…it was undisciplined, sloppy football.
The Titans made them pay for it, showing poise, keeping their cool, and cramming the ball down their collective throat. The Browns were 5.5-point favorites at home, and the Titans made that figure look laughable.
Let’s give out some game balls.
Offense
Derrick Henry – After an offseason of wondering whether or not we were going to get the same Henry that finished the 2018 season, we’re a step closer to getting a definitive answer. It’s certainly encouraging. Henry was the bell cow yesterday, getting 19 carries for 84 yards and a touchdown, plus a 75-yard touchdown reception. 159 total yards – love to see that.
Marcus Mariota – Mariota’s stat line isn’t going to jump off the page at you, but I thought he played pretty well. Going 14/24 for 248 yards and three touchdowns is one thing. But, it was his mobility that made the difference. His 8.0 YPC average proved crucial in converting first downs and extending drives. He hit ’em with the good old fashioned read option on one notable play.
Delanie Walker – Draft a fuckin’ tight end! Walker’s back and his presence was felt. Five catches, 55 yards, and two touchdowns. He attacked the soft spot of that Browns defense and proved that the chemistry he used to have with Mariota is still there.
A.J. Brown – Shout out to the rookie wide receiver playing tuff – T U F F – football. With three catches for 100 yards, Brown was the team’s leading receiver yesterday. What was particularly exciting was seeing Brown make moves after the catch. This guy could be a future stud.
Defense
Logan Ryan – I told Mose yesterday that Ryan had the exact game you want if you’re a defensive back in the NFL. Dude was flat out all over the place yesterday – he recorded a sack and a half, got an interception, deflected a pass, and tied for the team lead in tackles with eight (alongside Kenny Vaccaro). One of the best games I’ve seen him play in two-tone blue.
Cameron Wake – “Old.” Yeah, okay. Wake was a disruptive force all day in Cleveland. He registered 2.5 sacks, hit Baker Mayfield four times, and brought him down in the end zone for a safety. If this is indicative of things to come, that Titans pass rush is going to be just fine.
Malcolm Butler – Gotta give Butler some love – not only for the pick-six, but for hanging with Odell Beckham, Jr. for most of the afternoon. The explosive receiver had just 71 yards on seven receptions and was kept out of the end zone. Butler played him well.
Jurrell Casey – Lastly, I just have to mention the presence of one of the NFL’s perennially underrated defensive linemen. He didn’t do a whole lot that’s going to show up on the box score, but Casey was all over the place yesterday, harassing Mayfield and causing major problems for the Browns offensive line.
Special Teams
Brett Kern – YOUNG MAN. Kern punted that damn ball all the way to Cincinnati.
For more thoughts on yesterday’s game, check out Mose and myself in our post-game reaction video:
#Titans win 43-13, @StoneyKeeley and @SoBroMose react. #TENvsCLE https://t.co/tPfLe0cK9t
— The Unofficial Titans Podcast (@SoBrosTitans) September 8, 2019
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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