Titan Sized Report: Could Have…
By author
The effort from the Tennessee Titan defense could have been much better. Confusion, blown coverages, and allowing over 400 yards of offense are ugly signs of poor execution. Here’s a review of the Titan’s Week 10 defensive performance, including unit grades and selections of a “Titan” and “Terrible” player of the week.
Jason Babin (3 tackles) was a disruptive force and Tony Brown (2 tackles, sack, PD) looked healthy in his return. Jacob Ford and Dave Ball were each fooled by the Wildcat package on back-to-back critical plays to end the 3rd quarter. Uncharacteristic mistakes for a Jim Washburn coached defensive line. Still, holding the Miami Dolphins to 88 yards rushing while trailing the entire second half is impressive.
Linebackers – D
Either the defensive schemes are leaving the middle of the field unprotected, or the coverage skills of Stephen Tulloch (4 tackles) and Will Witherspoon (2 tackles) are dreadful. Either way, this is the second week in a row that poor middle-zone coverage cost the Titans at the end of the game. It is hard to believe that Gerald McRath is worse in coverage and not worth a look in the nickel package.
Defensive Backs – F (Allowed 316 passing yards and 2 TDs)
Alterraun Verner (8 tackles) had a rocky performance, getting beat badly on a trick play and struggling in coverage. (Sigh) Chris Hope (4 tackles, FF, PD) was also fooled on that play. Cortland Finnegan (5 tackles, 4 PD, INT) blanketed Brandon Marshall for most of the game, even calling out his routes prior to some plays. No safety in the NFL is playing better than Michael Griffin, right now.
Titan Player of the Week:
Michael Griffin (5 tackles, pass deflection) – Griffin is the MVP of the Titan defense and Sunday was just another example. He leads the Titan defenders in interceptions (4), pass deflections (8), and is second in tackles (60), behind only Stephen Tulloch. Griffin created turnovers in 5 consecutive games this season.
Terrible Player of the Week:
Jacob Ford (No stats) – Jacob Ford is becoming the Invisible Man on this defensive line at the worst possible time. With Derrick Morgan on injured reserve and Dave Ball fading fast, Ford has to fill in the gap and be the dominant, situational pass-rusher that has been in past years. Ford has not registered a sack in the last 3 games and has only 2 sacks for the year.
Overall Defense Grade – D-
Perhaps it is just better if we forget about this awful defensive effort. The Washington Redskins could be just what the doctor ordered for this defense. The road to the post-season could have a beginning in Sunday’s game. The Titan defense could have an answer for all their critics. Now is the time.