Tennessee Titans: 6 Takeaways From Game Two
By Les Bailey
Aug 23, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker
Brian Orakpo(98) lines up to rush during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
The Titans defense stepped up on Sunday night and made some plays. Cornerback, Perrish Cox validated his free agency signing early in the game when he stepped in front of a Nick Foles pass on St. Louis’ first possession and returned it 24 yards for a pick six.
Cox said he knew what was coming, and jumped the route on former Titan, Kenny Britt for the pick and the first score of the game.
The defensive line dominated the line of scrimmage and shut down the Rams running game and forced them to throw the ball.
The Rams struggled on the offensive side of the ball in 2014 and the Titans showed them that they hadn’t made much progress.
Nick Foles told Fox sideline reporter, Pam Oliver that he was still learning the ropes in the Jeff Fisher system and that he just didn’t see Cox and made a poor decision.
Free agent pass rusher, Brian Orakpo got on the field for some time with the first unit along with the others in the box put a lot of pressure on Nick Foles. Orakpo also showed how well he can seal the edge in the run game.
With Jason McCourty and Blidi Wreh-Wilson still on the sideline, Dick LeBeau gave Marqueston Huff some snaps at cornerback for the first time in a game. Huff is normally a strong safety but can play corner if needed.
Huff saw considerable time later in the game last night at corner, and got burned on an 80 yard Case Keenum to Chris Givens touchdown pass in the third quarter.
It will be interesting to see how this defense does against a seasoned quarterback like Alex Smith next week, and a seasoned runner like Jamaal Charles.
Next: Tight Ends