Tennessee Titans: Instant analysis of Preseason Week 2 loss

Here’s some instant analysis of the Tennessee Titans’ Preseason Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots.

The Tennessee Titans might have lost the Preseason Week 2 game to the New England Patriots, but there were definitely some positives to take from the game.

Let’s take a look at everything notable, both good and bad, from the Titans’ loss.

Marcus Mariota and the first-team offense

The Titans’ starting offensive line was as follows:

LT Dennis Kelly

LG Rodger Saffold

C Ben Jones

RG Kevin Pamphile

RT Jack Conklin

Left guard Rodger Saffold was flat out bulldozed on the first series, which led to a sack of quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Titans QB had to deal with some early pressure, but took just the one sack. I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think Saffold is in midseason form quite yet.

It appears right guard Kevin Pamphile is on track to start, despite fellow guard Jamil Douglas getting first-team reps in practice. Rookie guard Nate Davis was once again absent, and his face should be on a milk carton at this point.

The Titans didn’t look so hot after two three-and-outs on the first two series, however Mariota and Co. drove 87 yards on 10 plays to score a touchdown. Mariota connected with tight end, Delanie Walker, and wide receiver, Corey Davis, on two nice passes down the field during the drive.

Walker caught two passes from Mariota in the game, including the touchdown, and it’s abundantly clear that their chemistry is still very strong. Mariota will certainly enjoy having Walker back this season.

Rookie wide receiver, A.J. Brown, failed to make a catch in his preseason debut, however he did draw a pass interference call on a deep ball down the sideline that gave the Titans 27 yards. Brown deserves credit for drawing the penalty, which is a talent that good receivers possess.

A lot of hurry up

We saw the Titans use their usual tight formations, but offensive coordinator Arthur Smith also used plenty of hurry up early on in the game. Smith also struck a nice balance in the run and pass, as it was nearly a dead-even distribution in the first half.

Delanie Walker is back

Man, it was great to see Walker back out there. Not only did he catch two balls for 26 yards, he also found the end zone in his return to the field. More importantly, Walker looks like himself and those who are doubting he can make a full return need to check themselves. This man is back!

Sharif Finch and Isaiah Mack created pressure

Linebacker Sharif Finch created multiple pressures in the first half, and if not for a straight-up choke hold on him, he would have had a sack. The holding call against the Pats resulted in a safety.

Defensive lineman and UDFA Isaiah Mack bullied an offensive lineman and notched his first sack of the preseason. He had four total tackles and was a menace in the Pats’ backfield. The man we’re calling “Mack attack” continues to show why he deserves to make this roster.

David Long is a beast

Where wasn’t linebacker David Long on Saturday night? The sixth-round pick had eight total tackles (five solo), and one QB hit. Not only is he a fiery, passionate player, he also makes everyone else around him look like they’re moving in slow motion. He simply plays at a different speed.

Jeremy McNichols shines again

While he only had six carries for 13 yards, running back Jeremy McNichols nearly broke off a long touchdown run with a sick cutback move, however it was called back because of a holding penalty. McNichols eventually found pay dirt on a 15-yard catch and run that ended with him flipping into the end zone.

Unless the Titans carry four running backs, McNichols is likely to lose out to fellow back, David Fluellen. However, Fluellen hasn’t been healthy of late, which could open the door for the former fifth-round pick to make the team.

Taywan Taylor down in the pecking order?

Wide receiver Taywan Taylor had a decent night with two catches for 27 yards on five targets. More importantly, he didn’t have any drops, which is a great improvement from the preseason opener.

What’s troubling for Taylor is that he was still in the game when fellow wideout, Darius Jennings, was removed and on the sideline without a helmet. Has Taylor fallen behind Jennings at this point? Luckily for Taylor, no other receiver on the roster did anything of note, so he’s still safe.

Amani Hooker made a nice play, but should have had more

Fourth-round pick, defensive back Amani Hooker, made a nice play when he jumped a route with the Pats near the goal line. While it was a nice play, Hooker should have had an interception, and would have had plenty of real estate to take it to the house.