Oct 13, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Tennessee Titans coach Mike Munchak reacts during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Six weeks into the season and the Tennessee Titans find themselves at 3-3 after losing two games in a row. The difference between an average and good NFL team is marginal.
The Titans are a prime example of this mantra. Just two weeks ago, the Titans were a 3-1 team with a strong defense and improving young quarterback. They were considered a “surprise team.’ The Titans expected this though. After spending aggressively in free agency to add to the team’s young nucleus, the Titans were where they expected to be.
Since Jake Locker went down with a hip injury, the Titans haven’t won a game. The offense has struggled mightily while the defense played well enough for the Titans to win their last two games. The offense has not shown the ability to sustain drives and get timely first downs or scores. Some winnable games have slipped away because of the inefficient offense.
On Oct. 20, the Titans will host the San Francisco 49ers. For a playoff team, which the Titans consider themselves, this kind of game is a “must win.”
The Titans brought in veteran backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for this exact situation. If Locker went down, he was expected to come in and win football games. He has not done that. He must do that this Sunday. The Titans have a home game against a good 49ers team, but they simply cannot afford to lose three in a row and go into the bye week at (3-4).
In order for the offense to improve, Fitzpatrick has to take better care of the ball. He must convert third downs on a consistent basis. The Titans count on running back Chris Johnson to be a playmaker for this team, outside of the 49-yard touchdown reception against the Kansas City Chiefs, he has been close to a non-factor.
Where does the blame for the running game woes go? Everywhere. Johnson must start making more people miss. The offensive line must create more space to run. And the Titans coaches, specifically offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains , need to draw up a better game plan. Too often they have become pass-happy too soon. The return of running back Shonn Greene should help in the short-yardage run game.
If the Titans win, they are a winning-team going into the bye. They have a week to lick their wounds. Most likely, Locker would
return to the starting lineup against the St. Louis Rams. If they lose, they they fall below .500, distance themselves from the division lead, and have to sit on three straight losses for two weeks.
Time to Titan Up.
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