W10-Titan Sized Report: Should Have…
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The Tennessee Titans should have won on Sunday against a reeling Miami Dolphins team. Vince Young should have started ahead of an injured Kerry Collins. Randy Moss should have been more involved in his Titan debut. Here is the Titan Sized Report of the Titan’s Week 10 performance on offense, including “Titan” and “Terrible” players of the week.
Offensive Line – C+ (Held Cameron Wake without a sack)
This offensive line is still committing needless (David Stewart) and untimely penalties (Jake Scott) that kill drives. It is nice to see Stewart coming to the aid of new teammate Randy Moss, but the timing was inappropriate in the end of a key 2nd quarter drive. Stewart is also responsible for letting Yeremiah Bell run right around him, sacking VY, and forcing a fumble that led to the go-ahead touchdown for the Dolphins.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends – B-
Bo Scaife’s (7 receptions, 51 yards, FUM) first two touches of the game resulted in a fumble and dropped pass. Mr. Reinfeldt, please DO NOT franchise tag Ben Troupe Bo Scaife next year. Kenny Britt will be missed as a blocker AND red-zone receiver. Randy Moss is useless as a decoy AND blocker in bunch receiver sets. Otherwise, the receiver group did the best they could with the wounded ducks that migrated in their general vicinity. Justin Gage is a little rusty, but he looks good for a #3 WR.
Running Backs – B-
Javon Ringer is apparently not the back we thought he was in the preseason (cough… LeGarette Blount). Another pedestrian effort from Ringer will probably give the Titans all the motivation they need to make a move. It is nice to see Chris Johnson (17 rushes, 117 yards, TD) running through open lanes again. Did you see his helmet-tap with Moss following the 17-yard TD run? Hopefully, Heimerdinger will be more discerning of appropriate times to give CJ a blow going forward.
Quarterback – F
From the first play it was clear Collins (9-20, 51 yards) could not hold the ball well enough to throw anything resembling an accurate pass. Also, the timeout Collins required only 2 plays into the game was embarrassing for a veteran with his experience. Vince Young (9-20, 98 yards, TD, INT) looked slightly better, but had 2 costly turnovers. The Dolphin defense finished with 9 pass deflections (4 from down linemen). Deflections are unlucky, but neither QB is without some blame.
Titan Player of the Week:
Chris Johnson (17 rushes, 117 yards, TD; 1 reception, 7 yards) – So far, so good for the Randy Moss experiment and the effects it will have on the running game for the Titans. CJ2K deserves lots of credit for running with confidence and decisiveness when the running lanes appeared. Also, this marks a week with no dropped passes, fumbles, or costly errors. Another quality outing for the best running back in the NFL.
Terrible Player of the Week:
Vince Young (9-20, 98 yards, TD, INT; 2 rushes, 14 yards, FUM) – Did he cost the Titans this game? No. But, he certainly was a contributor. The lost fumble is yet another example of VY trying to make a play after a some unexpected gaff (in this case Stewart completely blowing his block). Honestly, I cannot ever remember VY successfully converting one of these plays into something good. Busted plays are sometimes not worth salvaging. The sooner Vince learns that, the better.
Overall Offense Grade – D+
The defense allowing 29 points had far more to do with this loss than anything on the offensive side of the ball. However, 2 turnovers deep in Titan territory gave the Titan defense little margin for error. This offense will need to get in rhythm and fast, with 5 of their next 7 games against divisional opponents. Randy Moss debut was not what any Titan fan was hoping for, but do not jump off the bandwagon just yet. The Washington Redskins should be just the shot in the arm this offense needs.