Titans Defense Wears Down Late Against Andrew Luck
By Chase Maher
Dec 9 2012, Indianapolis, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws an interception as he is tackled by Tennessee Titans defensive end Derrick Morgan (91) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Tennessee Titans defense was man-handling Andrew Luck and the Colts for the majority of this first half. He was pressured, knocked down and hurried nearly every snap. Watching Morgan, Wimbley, Klug and Ayers dominate a young rival of Locker’s was incredibly fun.
Then came the third quarter.
The defense was already tired and Jerry Gray insisted on constantly blitzing. It was a nice changeof pace, but it came at the wrong time. I think we should have sat back a little more and saved the blitzes for 2nd and 3rd and long situations. Andrew Luck is a rare rookie that can read defenses like a veteran. His high number of interceptions is lack of experience and he is not quite adjusted to the speed of defenses, but by no means is he easily confused.
The need for a difference maker at safety grew even stronger after this game. it was embarrassing watching Griffin and Babs miss tackles and interceptions. When the weakest link of a chain is replaced with titanium, the chain is that much stronger. One of these guys needs to be replaced with a man possessed. We need some fire back there. I am tired of watching Griffin walk back to his position, its disgusting and annoying.
Now that I got that off my chest I’d like to point out something we all already know; this defense needs Colin McCarthy. I am afraid McCarthy and his injuries are going to haunt his career for years to come. I by no mean want to give up on him, but I would not mind seeing a veteran MLB signed that could provide better services than Will Witherspoon when The General is injured.
Youth, inexperience and bad safeties have beenthe achilles heal of this defense all year. I assure you it is only going to get better. We have a great core of young talent, they just need to grow. We are all but out of the playoffs, so I encourage you all to start looking into some prospects that could be had in the top 12 picks in April’s draft.