A team that fought the Denver Broncos last season and lost a close 20–12 season opener got absolutely demolished by the New York Jets after an offseason filled with positive moves on all fronts for the Titans.
Final score: Jets 23, Titans 10
Join the PressMan Coverage team members as they review the game and react to the wins, losses and question marks surrounding the Tennessee Titans after Week 1. We’ll talk through important plays or stats and give one of the guys’ opinions on the situation.
"I'm done financially supporting this team until they start showing some REAL progress." - Cody Moore
How It Started
The first half was an abysmal outing by the Titans' offensive line. Cam Ward barely had any time to breathe and was continuously forced out of the pocket. Stats from the first half that stood out included Tennessee's total offensive yards at 55 and just 8:47 in time of possession.
Randy asked an important question: “Are we giving Cam enough time?” The answer (from Cody) was that "it was never an issue before." The crew had mixed emotions, and rightfully so after such an uplifting offseason. This first loss was difficult for everyone to accept for various reasons.
While there may not have been an issue before with Cam needing more time in the preseason and training camp outings, live regular-season games are a whole other level. While Cam Ward may have “looked like a bust” (Cody Moore), he was 19 of 32 for 140 passing yards and 1 TD, and was sacked 3 times. Ward may not have gone off in Week 1, but he definitely was not in ideal conditions for a young quarterback.
The First Defense-“less” Drive
"Where was the defense?" - Cody
Cody couldn’t have asked a better question. The Titans' biggest investment in the offseason (defense) was non-existent against the New York Jets. Our defensive line generated almost no pressure. A squad of absolute monsters that should be a top run-stop defense got absolutely shredded.
"Not stopping the run was the catalyst for the defense failing Sunday. Blitzes opened up the backfield and helped NY eat up the backfield."
The Jets controlled the clock for the entire first half and even had a 19-play drive in the first half that took nearly 12 minutes off the clock. Speaking of the clock, New York held the ball for just over 38 minutes the entire game.
Breece Hall gradually continued to chip away at the Titans’ defense and accumulated a total of 102 yards over the course of the entire game.
Did Anything Stand Out from Tennessee in the First Half?
The Good: Anthony Hill Jr. stood out with 11 total tackles (2 solo), and we also saw Femi Oladejo flying around and helping the defense with 3 tackles.
The Bad: We saw special teams uncharacteristically have some bad outings, with the opening kick out of bounds and even one of the Titans' own running into Chimere Dike on a punt return. Tommy Townsend was also struggling to keep his punts out of the end zone.
The Ugly: The offensive line didn't protect Cam at all.
Second Half Adjustments Fell Flat
The Titans received the opening kickoff of the second half, rallied on a solid couple of throws and run plays, and then stalled to punt the ball.
Here’s an example of just one drive, with 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter:
- The Titans began driving. We saw a spark out of Tony Pollard with 2 runs for 15 yards total.
- Ward then missed Tyjae Spears on a wide-open dump route.
- Cam Ward ran out of bounds to kill the drive and bring out the punt unit.
Even with the defense holding the Jets to punts, the Titans couldn't escape 3-and-outs and barely escaped a safety on more than one occasion in the 4th quarter.
With 5 minutes left, the Titans offense took the field after a Jets FG and put together the only successful offensive drive, which ended with an 11-yard TD catch by Elic Ayomanor.
The Titans would not see the field offensively the rest of the game.
"We look like a JV team, man and it's not promising at all." - Randy
Lem opted to give the coaches grace after the Week 1 loss. On the other hand, Randy and Cody both felt differently, saying, “The entire team is to blame” (Randy) and “Saleh sold us on energy, fast and violent - all gas, no brakes. Didn't deliver.” (Cody)
Regardless of harsh feelings and strong words for Week 1, the PMC Crew is here for you, the fan, all season. Based on Week 1, this could be a long season for the Titans and their fans. Rain or shine, win or lose, we’ll be there. Stay tuned to PressMan Coverage each week for game previews, reactions and interviews the crew brings on the channel.
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