W11-Titan Sized Report: Settling for less

If this report were limited by words in proportion to points scored by the Tennessee Titan offense, this post would already be over quota. An offense that settles for field goals is not a playoff caliber offense.  Here is the Titan Sized Report of the Tennesse Titan’s Week 11 performance on offense, including “Titan” and “Terrible” players of the week.

Offensive Line – C+

The Titan offensive line allowed only one sack (Vonnie Holliday) and paved the way for 151 rushing yards. Eugene Amano committed a needless holding penalty inside the 5-yard line that cost the Titans 4 points and momentum. Leroy Harris was overpowered multiple times by Albert Haynesworth, but chalk that up to an ex-teammate knowing his old friends’ weaknesses.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends – C+

Nate Washington (5 receptions, 117 yards) is quite the deep threat now that Randy Moss (no receptions) is attracting so much attention. And Bo Scaife (4 receptions, 51 yards) is running free across the middle, frequently finding himself in man coverage.  Ahmard Hall (1 rec, 19 yards), Justin Gage (1 rec, 23 yards), and Jared Cook (2 recs, 11 yards) all contributed first down catches.

Running Backs – C+

Why is Javon Ringer in the game after Chris Johnson ran back-to-back gains of 20+ yards?  CJ2K needs carries to change a game and late in the game should involve heavy doses of him running between the tackles.  All of sudden, Ahmard Hall is not looking so hot as a lead blocker.  Hopefully this is an apparition and not foreshadowing of a decline from this blocking expert.

Quarterback – C+

Vince Young’s NFL career will depend on his ability to know when and how to use his legs. He did have a costly fumble on the opening drive, but other than that VY turned in an even performance.  The Washington Redskins left room to run and VY seldom took advantage, especially in the red zone.  Rusty Smith looked awful, likely for lack of preparation and repetitions in practice.  But this Sunday will be a better gauge.

Titan Player of the Week:

Chris Johnson (21 rushes, 130 yards; 2 receptions, 6 yards) – CJ2K is back.  Multiple runs were one shoe-string tackle away from being another highlight dash to the endzone for the 2-time Pro Bowler.  As long as Randy Moss is a Titan, CJ will have gaping holes waiting for him.  The only question is, will the Titans use this strength to their advantage early in games? Chris Johnson should never end a game with less than 25 carries going forward.

Terrible Player of the Week:

Unnamed leak in Titan locker room (Shared incident with the media) – This player or coach may not be a member of the offensive staff.  They may not even be an official member of the Tennessee Titan team, however this needed to be said sooner rather than later.  Assuming this was not leaked on purpose in some sort of ill-willed attempt to discredit Vince Young or Jeff Fisher’s name (equally disgusting), this information should have never seen the light of day.  What happens in the locker room, stays in the locker room.

Overall Offense Grade – C+

In preparing this post, I was fully prepared to berate and belittle the offensive unit and their coaches for laying an egg in their second straight game.  But, I watched the tape.  Play, by play.  The Washington Redskin defense the Titans played on Sunday was nothing even remotely similar to the defense we all saw Michael Vick shred the previous Monday night.  With that being said, an offense that does not score touchdowns is indefensible.  But, the sky is not falling and it is not time to panic just yet.