Tennessee Titans: Week 6 Pro Football Focus Grades

Notable Week 6 Pro Football Focus grades for the Tennessee Titans.

The Indianapolis Colts had the Tennessee Titans’ number for 11 straight games, but finally the Titans broke the streak on Monday Night. This game was similar to the other Titans wins: it was a game of two halves. Going into halftime, most fans, like me, were freaking out and ready to fire everyone. The Titans offense was getting fancy and cute, when in reality they should be running the ball down the gut of the defense. And the defense was letting a second-string quarterback with only four starts look like a veteran.

As we know, the second half was a 360 degree turnaround in all phases of the game for the Titans. The defense shined by getting a few three-and-outs, turnovers and a fourth-and-goal stop. Finally, the offense got back on track by showing off Marcus Mariota’s passing skills but also giving the Colts the one-two punch of Derrick Henry and DeMarco Murray. On the big stage, the Titans needed to show the NFL world that they can compete for the AFC South and that they can be a playoff contender. Just watching the game, you saw that the Titans’ playmakers were playing some of their best football and it showed in the Pro Football Focus Week 6 grades.

Top 5 Players in Week 6 Win:

• QB Marcus Mariota, 88.5 Overall Grade
• DL Jurrell Casey, 87.2 overall grade
• RT Jack Conklin, 86.4 Overall Grade
• CB Logan Ryan, 84.7 overall grade
• RB Derrick Henry, 82.4 overall grade

After missing last week due to a hamstring injury, everyone knew that this game was not going to showcase Mariota’s running ability. The Titans offense runs through Mariota and it was obvious in Week 5, as the Titans looked like a different team with out him. He impressed fans and showed  NFL teams that he is not just a dual-threat quarterback and has the ability to be a true franchise quarterback with his arm. Mariota is QB1 for the Titans but this week, he was PFF’s quarterback of the week. Pretty impressive stuff for a guy coming off an injury.

Another captain and playmaker for the Titans had a bounce back game himself: Mr. Casey. He may not have had the greatest impact when it comes to the box score or his stat sheet, but he continues to get constant pressure, recording an 85.8 pass rush grade. Casey also dominated in the run game, recording a 79.3 grade.

The 30 million dollar man is starting to show us why the Titans pay him $10 million a year. Ryan gave up only one catch and was targeted four times. Monday night was his best performance of the year, so let’s hope that this is a trend in the right direction.

For the past five weeks, Conklin has been on the bottom five of this list, but not this week. Conklin recorded his best pass blocking grade of the year with a grade of 86.2, which was the best out of the starting five linemen. As expected, he had another dominating run blocking grade with a grade of 82.2. I think Conklin is starting to find his way back to All-Pro form.

Last but certainly not least, Mr. Henry, the man you send off the bus first. Henry needs to continue to touch the ball as Murray is still hurting from a hamstring. On 19 carries, he showed you what he can do, and that is wear defenses down. With his speed and size, it will be tough for most to get him down one-on-one. I think off of what he has shown, both he and Murray need to split carries from now.

Week 6 Notable Performances:

RB Demarco Murray, 81.4 Overall Grade

Murray is still being bothered by a hamstring injury, and Henry’s stats will overshadow how valuable he still is. I think this still is Murray’s job, but he needs to get back to full strength. Even though he only rushed for 40 yards, he still made some plays that helped keep drives alive. Murray gained 33 out of his 40 yards after contact and caught four passes for 47 yards. Murray, when healthy, is a dominant back and should continue to be the Titans’ RB1.

LB Jayon Brown, 81.6 Overall Grade

Rookie Jayon Brown is another player that has been at the bottom of the PFF grades for the Titans often. Brown had himself a game in coverage, with a few pass breakups and lockdown coverage and a recorded grade of 84.7. One of his bigger weaknesses is his struggles in run defense, recording a grade of 60.5 grade. Thankfully, we have Wesley Woodyard playing at an elite level in the run game.

DL DaQuan Jones, 80.7 Overall Grade

Jones is one player that really gets no love. He continues to stand out this year, primarily in run defense, recording a grade of 82. He is one player that continues to impress me and I hope the Titans will start working to renegotiate his contract as his rookie deal is soon to be over.

WR Taywan Taylor, 76.5 Overall Grade

As Gruden said, Taylor is just a “gadget” player, which set a lot of people off, including me. Taylor can be used as a jack of all trades, but he is and will be a receiver. He showed off his wheels by hauling in a bomb from Mariota as he flew past the coverage. The Titans should be excited about the future of this offense with how explosive Taylor is. Now we just need to see Corey Davis and Taylor on the field consistently.

CB Adoree’ Jackson, 70.8 Overall Grade

Jackson struggled early this year and will continue to have his struggles as he will face some of  the NFL’s top wide receivers. On Monday, he shut down a top five receiver in T.Y. Hilton, who only recorded one reception; that is impressive. Jackson is continuing to grow in his role as the top cornerback for the Titans. We are still waiting to see his first interception or return touchdown, and we might have a good shot to see both next week against the Cleveland Browns.

Week 7

Speaking of Week 7 against the Browns, the Titans had a dominating performance in the second half on Monday night, and Titans fans hope the domination will continue. All signs continue to point to Mariota getting more healthy. Pro Football Focus has projected both the offensive and defensive line ups for Week 7 against the Browns.