The Tennessee Titans are making a habit out of disappearing in the second half of a game. Today, it “wasn’t pretty, but it was beautiful” yet again, as the Titans survive a game that really felt like two different games between the first half and the second half. They’ll head home with a 24-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts, but questions about how this team performs in the second half linger. I know Mike Vrabel and all of the players are going to talk about how they’re happy to get a win on the road against a division opponent, and they shouldn’t have to apologize for it. I get it – but if you’re analyzing this team right now and trying to project how good it really is, you can’t help but put a cap on its potential because of the trend its shown in letting teams back into games.
It’s happened three times this season, folks! Three times! They’ve only played four games! They allowed the New York Giants to steal a win in Week 1. They narrowly beat the Las Vegas Raiders. It’s almost as if this team, from the top down, wants to grimy things up and play in these tightly contested games. I don’t get it. It’s bizarre. That’s the source of frustration among fans and analysts trying to figure this team out. How can it look so differently in the second half of games compared to the first?
Last week, I said there was plenty to fix and plenty to build upon, and I do think they did that in a couple of ways that are integral to the success of the team. Namely, the run defense had a big time get-right game. Jonathan Taylor, who is touted by many as the best running back in the league, was held to just 42 rushing yards and a fumble lost in this game. Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, Rashad Weaver, and Teair Tart all had impact games for this defensive front that stifled the Colts rushing attack and moved Matt Ryan around the pocket. This aspect of the defense is vastly improved from the beginning of the season. Also, it looked like Derrick Henry was certainly back – going for 147 total yards.
But, the Titans still have some work to do in pinpointing exactly what is going on with this Jekyll and Hyde bit between halves. Whether it’s an execution thing, a mental thing, or a personnel thing, I don’t know. But, like I said before, it’s a bit of a limiter on how far this team can go, especially once they’re playing better competition. I also thought that the secondary had a rougher day than I anticipated. Caleb Farley was beaten badly on a big play to Alec Pierce. Roger McCreary and Kristian Fulton both had trouble in covering Mo Alie-Cox on those crossing routes in the red zone that led to touchdowns. And, of course, Terrance Mitchell was cooked on a rep too. It’s curious to me that this performance happened in a game during which the Titans were actually finding success against the run and getting to the passer. It’s not like the secondary was being tirelessly abused. Ryan was just strategically picking them apart.
All in all, a little bit of luck helped the Titans pull this one out this afternoon too. The Colts turned the ball over three times – Ryan and Taylor both fumbled, and Ryan threw an interception. In the 4th quarter, it felt like that was the only reason the Titans were still leading the game.
I know this is the second consecutive game recap piece I’ve written that sounds pretty pessimistic about this team, but for what it’s worth, it does matter that the Titans are still winning these games. 2-2 feels a whole hell of a lot different than 0-4. They’ve stacked two in a row now, and for a team that prides itself on flushing one game and moving onto the next, I guess as long as they’re getting wins, that’s all that matters.
Game Balls
- Derrick Henry – 114 rushing yards, 33 receiving yards, one touchdown, and it could’ve been two if not for a holding penalty calling his second one back. It definitely looks like the King is back now!
- Teair Tart – Part of the tremendous effort up front today, he tipped two passes and intercepted one, but it was his celebration on the pick that really cemented the game ball for him.
- Denico Autry – Autry was nasty today, hitting Ryan three times, and adding two sacks to his total for the season.
- Chig Okonkwo – I’m giving one to Okonkwo, who actually led the Titans in receiving yards today, for a couple of reasons. One, he scored his first NFL touchdown today. Two, he sealed the game when he converted a 3rd & 1 under pressure on what was a really creative play call from Todd Downing.
- Dylan Cole – Cole really stepped up with Zach Cunningham out of the lineup. He led the team in tackles with eight (one for a loss), but he also had some timely run stuffs.
The Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Philadelphia Eagles to drop to 2-2, so at least the Titans have that going for them. Next week, the Titans face a trip to Washington DC for a date with the Washington Commanders.
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley.
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