Week 3 Results and Their Effect on the AFC South Playoff Race
By Max Dambach
Tennessee Titans
Week 3 Result: Beat the Seattle Seahawks 33-27
What it Means: The Titans proved themselves a team to beat in the AFC after their complete dismantling of the Seahawks in Week 3. The box score belies the true nature of the game because most of Seattle’s offensive production came when the Titans had already pulled ahead. The Titans were impressive in all facets of the game, with the defense shutting down Seattle’s offense until the Titans could pull ahead. The offense really stood out, with DeMarco Murray achieving the longest rushing touchdown against of the Pete Carroll era, and Marcus Mariota spreading the ball around efficiently for two touchdowns as the running game embarrassed the vaunted front seven of Seattle to the tune of 195 yards.
On special teams, Ryan Succop made four field goals and Adoree’ Jackson’s electric touchdown return was called back on a controversial block in the back penalty, but the punt return still had an impact as Seattle kicked it away from him for the remainder of the game. The Titans really hit their stride in the second half offensively, and their defense and special teams were strong throughout. If the Titans can get their offense rolling early, they will be almost impossible to stop.
What’s Next: The Titans take on one of their division rivals in an effort to prove they can win in the AFC South and make it difficult for the Texans to claw back into the AFC South playoff race later in the year. Last year, the Titans missed out on the postseason due to a poor record against their AFC South opponents, so this Titans team should recognize the importance of this game. Though the Texans field one of the top defenses in the league, the Titans proved in Weeks 2 and 3 that they can steamroll a strong defense. Should the defense be able to dominate the Texans’ line as Jacksonville did in Week 1, Deshaun Watson and the Houston offense will not be able to function adequately.