The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Tennessee Titans vs. Carolina Panthers

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from the Titans Second Preseason Game Against the Carolina Panthers.

The Tennessee Titans wrapped up their second preseason game with a 34-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers. This game brought excitement to fans that last week’s game lacked. DeMarco Murray and Rishard Matthews were held out of the game for the Tennessee Titans. Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly were held out for the Carolina Panthers. Here is this week’s edition of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

The Good

• The Titans offensive line still has some work to do, but they were greatly improved.
• Derrick Henry ran with speed and power on his way to two touchdowns in the first half. His 2.3 yards per carry average is an indication of the offensive line’s play.
• The Titans’ first-string offense moved the ball with ease. Marcus Mariota completed 6 of 8 passes for 61 yards and a touchdown to Delanie Walker.
• Jonnu Smith was more involved this week. He caught 5 passes for 47 yards.
• Kalan Reed was sticky in coverage for the second week in a row. Maybe the Titans should see what he can do against better competition at this point.
• Jayon Brown again showed he is a competent linebacker in coverage.
• David Fluellen must have impressed the coaches with his 7.6 yards per carry average and his 53 yard run. It was Fluellen returning kicks in the second half rather than Eric Weems. Fluellen also scored the game’s winning touchdown.
• The Titans were a perfect 3 of 3 on fourth downs.
• The Titans won the turnover battle. Logan Ryan forced a fumble on the Panthers’ first offensive play of the game. Jayon Brown tipped a pass that allowed Justin Staples to make the pick. Due to a quarterback hit by Aaaron Wallace, the Titans recovered a second fumble, which allowed them to score the game’s winning touchdown.

Tennessee Titans

The Bad

• The Titans didn’t have an answer for Christian McCaffrey. He rushed 3 times for 33 yards and a touchdown. McCaffrey also added 2 receptions for 39 yards in very little playing time.
• The Titans’ second- and third-string linebackers need to do a better job at reading the run, filling gaps, and making the tackle.

The Ugly

• Penalties hurt the Titans. Adoree’ Jackson had a 63-yard punt return called back due to two penalties.
• Rookie tight end Jonnu Smith had two penalties called on him, one of which was in the red zone.
• Kevin Dodd was unheard of for the second week in a row.

Overall, the Titans had a solid performance in this one. Their next game will come against the Chicago Bears. This will be the one to watch, as it will be the Titans’ dress rehearsal game. Starting Wednesday, the Titans will treat this game and their opponent as if it’s a regular season game.