Tennessee Titans: The Silver Lining Week 15
By Josh Gunnels
Dec 17, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Brown (55) celebrates with corner back Alterraun Verner (20) after recovering a fumble against the New York Jets during the second half at LP Field. The Titans beat the Jets 14-10. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Titans snapped a three game losing streak on Monday Night Football this week against the NY Jets. Don’t pay attention to the people that are saying this is the worst MNF game in history. Disregard the fact that the Titans tried their hardest to give the game away on multiple occasions. Pay no mind to the the slide down in draft position for the Titans. For this is The Silver Lining, where the consummate optimist baths in nothing but good vibes!
So what good can we find in Monday Night’s game?
The Titans Won
Period. The game was ugly, but I would rather talk about an ugly win than another close loss where the Titans did everything BUT win. In fact, many would say that the first step for a young inconsistent squad is to win ugly. Unlike other close games this year, like the Colts and Jags the team found a way to hang in there and fight to the finish. Now they can work on the details without the albatross of not winning over their head. The confidence that comes from winning a game such as this can be instrumental in the progress of a team like the Titans. Now they know they can do it. Many fans were pulling for a Titans loss in order to stay in the top 5 for the upcoming draft, but not this one. As ugly as it was, this is exactly what the franchise needed moving forward.
The Titans Have Heart
For the first time I can remember, I honestly didn’t know all the final active roster players for the Titans. There were at least 3 names I didn’t recognize on the side line.
The offensive line is down to 3rd string players and signing guys off the street weekly.
The playoffs have been out of reach for two weeks and only half the home crowd shows up for Monday Night Football.
There were countless stalled drives.
2 shanked punts that gave the Jets unbelievable field position.
14 penalties for over 100 yards.
It would be easy for a team to mail it in under these conditions and just try again next year, but Munchak’s Titans fought hard. They persevered and played through to the last minute. Jake played hard, the receivers ran hard, and the defense played their a** off. For all it’s flaws, this team hasn’t quit on each other or on their coach. A very strong reason Munchak should get another chance next year.
The Offense
The offense didn’t put forth their best showing, but let’s keep in mind that the Jets had a top 5 defense coming into the game. They are 2nd in the league in passing defense and have held opponents to 17 points/game average in 4 of the last 5 games before Monday night. Cj answered to the Jets field goal with a big 94 yard run, and Jake engineered a 7 play, 64 yard drive for a touchdown in answer to the Jets only touchdown. The game wasn’t pretty, but the offense did manage to score in answer to the other team, something they previously haven’t done.
The Defense
As bad as the Jets offense is, their offensive line has played well this year. The Titans front seven was able to get pressure on Sanchez, get 6 QB hits, and 4 sacks. Sanchez played beyond horrible but we’re looking at the bright side here, so I’m going to give Jerry Gray and the defense a thumbs up. They bailed out the inept offense and got a win for the team. Maybe Gray will even stick around next year….
What did you see good during the game?
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