September 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE
The Tennessee Titans fell to the Houston Texans this past Sunday. At halftime the game was 14-7 in favor of Houston, and early in the second half Tennessee had momentum; that is until back-up quarterback Matthew Hasselback threw two costly interceptions for touchdowns and had a fumble. The errors were insurmountable and the Titans lost 38-14.
Looking back:
-Well lets start with the positive; Chris Johnson looked good, and he did it against one of the top defenses in the league. If he can continue this, it would be huge, especially with the injury to Jake Locker. His play-making ability has to continue for this team to have success.
*If C.J. has another big game this Sunday, look for him to possibly go on a tear. He has been known to go gain momentum as the season goes on.
-Turnovers and penalties killed the Titans this Sunday. Hasselbeck’s three turnovers were unacceptable as a back-up veteran. Those three turnovers were accountable for 21 points. The Titans consistently shot themselves in the foot with stupid penalties. Multiple personal fouls throughout the game, including two by Tommie Campbell and David Stewart, killed drives and ruined field position throughout the game.
Looking ahead:
-The Titans have been hit by the injury bug. Jake Locker, by all accounts, is going to be out this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Also WR Kenny Britt is questionable with an ankle sprain that forced him to miss last week against the Texans. He has to return to full strength soon. The Titans need his size and physicality at the receiver position, but he continues to be hampered by injuries.
-The defense is allowing the most points in the league at just under 40 points per game. They NEED MLB Colin McCarthy to return desperately; his play-making ability is clearly missed. This Sunday the Titans face Adrian Peterson, who doesn’t seem to be showing any effects of a torn ACL and is still a force on the ground.
The Vikings are a surprise team this year with a record of 3-1. The Titans at 1-3 need to have a bounce back game against a team that is beatable. A steady Hasselbeck and Chris Johnson, well being Chris Johnson, should be enough to beat this Vikings team.
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