Oct 28, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Zach Brown (55) enters the field before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at LP Field. The Colts beat the Titans 19-13 in overtime. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US PRESSWIRE Presswire
The Tennessee Titans fell to (3-5) after losing to the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday in overtime, 19-13. They look to rebound this week at home against the formidable Chicago Bears (6-1).
Looking Back:
– Chris Johnson ran for over 90 yards again and he continues to look good. The Titans offense is puzzling to say the least. Statistically they were good, but there was no translation to the scoreboard. The Titans consistently missed opportunities to score: missed field goal, penalties, and flat out not making the plays that need to be made.
Specifically QB Matt Hasselback missing Jared Cook over the top, which would have sealed a win. How do you not target Jared Cook and Kenny Britt more often? Why do the Titans consistently let CJ get them to the red zone and then they take him out? Better decisions have to be made by the coaches.A bright spot for the offense is that it’s clear WR Kendall Wright is for real.
-The Titans defense did a great job not giving up points, but they still were gashed at times on the ground and through the air. They applied good pressure on Andrew Luck all day. Derrick Morgan is a bright spot on defense. He finally seems to be developing. The return of Colin McCarthy was a huge boost. Let’s hope he continues to stay on the field.
During the final drive of regulation and OT the Titans, at times, only had 10 men on the field. UNACCEPTABLE. Are you kidding me? DC Jerry Gray cannot allow this mental lapse on defense in such a pivitol moment. Michael Griffin finally played up to standards. He had a blocked FG, eight tackles, two forced fumbles, and a INT.
-Simple: the Titans blew this game. Yes, there were questionable calls, specifically the forward progress negating a nice play by the defense to force a fumble with about 20 seconds left, which would have given them another opportunity to kick a field goal and end the game.
Looking Ahead:
– The Titans face the Chicago Bears this Sunday at LP Field and hope to improve to (4-5). After a disappointing loss to the Colts. If the Titans were to pull this one off, it would be even more impressive than the win over the Steelers earlier in the season.
– After news broke that QB Jake Locker has a fractured shoulder, you can expect Matt Hasselback to start again this Sunday and probably through the bye week.
– The Bears boast the number one rush defense in the league. This Sunday we will find out how much the Titans run game has improved after playing some of the worst rush defenses in the league and having success.
– The Titans defense will have it’s hands full this Sunday with QB Jay Cutler, RB Matt Forte, and WR Brandon Marshall. All of which are formidable play-makers. However, QB Jay Cutler did sustain an injury two weeks ago and his arm strength seems to have dipped since. He may be vulnerable, and if the Titans apply ample pressure, they could get him out of his comfort zone.
It has been an up and down season. Another loss this Sunday would be devastating. Let’s hope the Titans can respond with another upset.