Tennessee Titans: Instant analysis of Preseason Week 4 win over Bears

The Tennessee Titans won their final preseason game over the Chicago Bears, 19-15.

Wow, what an exciting preseason finale between the Tennessee Titans and Chicago Bears!

Not!

The Titans won their last game of the preseason against the Bears, 19-15, in what was an agonizing finish to the exhibition slate. The Titans finish with a 2-2 preseason record.

The good news? The regular season begins next week.

If you didn’t watch, we understand. But don’t worry, we watched it for you and have some instant analysis from the game.

Marcus Mariota, Derrick Henry, and first-team offense did not play

Logan Woodside started at quarterback and Jeremy McNichols at running back.

There was some thought that Mariota could play after being pulled from the Preseason Week 3 game earlier than planned due to poor blocking. The Titans opted to sit their starting quarterback instead. Ryan Tannehill also didn’t play.

Derrick Henry’s extended absence from practice after suffering a calf injury on the first day of camp gave him a chance to play on Thursday. The Alabama product did not play and will not get any preseason reps before the regular season. Henry said he expects to be ready for Week 1.

Harold Landry, first-team defense did not play

There was a thought that Landry would suit up and play tonight, but that was not the case. General manager Jon Robinson did say that he expects Landry to be ready for Week 1.

The first-team defense as a whole did not get on the field.

Notable defenders who played

The Titans used Austin Johnson, Matt Dickerson and Brent Urban on the defensive line, Kamalei Correa at outside linebacker, and David Long on the inside to start the game.

With Isaiah Mack not playing, that might mean he’s safer than the three linemen we just mentioned. That makes things really interesting as roster cuts approach.

Jeremy McNichols was quiet

McNichols has stood out all training camp and preseason long, however there wasn’t much to talk about for the former fifth-round pick tonight. He carried the ball three times for eight yards, and caught one pass for no gain.

With David Fluellen seemingly healthy and ready for the start of the season (Fluellen did not play on Thursday), McNichols needs the Titans to carry four backs to make the roster.

Tye Smith made some nice plays

We’d assume Smith is already safe, but if not he had himself a solid night. The Titans corner notched one sack on a CB blitz, and had a pass breakup in the end zone.

Smith totaled five tackles (four solo) to go along with the sack.

David Long was everywhere… AGAIN

Long has been a standout rookie this preseason and is all over the field with his great speed and motor. The sixth-round pick just always seems to be around the ball.

He finished with three tackles (two solo).

Derick Roberson was solid

The UDFA out of Sam Houston State finished with six tackles (five solo) and two sacks in what was easily his best preseason game.

Unfortunately for Roberson, his performance will be too little, too late. After the Titans traded for outside linebacker Reggie Gilbert, Roberson’s days are numbered.

He should be on the practice squad, although this standout performance could ruin things for the Titans’ hopes of keeping him.

Isaiah Mack, Taywan Taylor did not play

Mack and Taylor did not play on Thursday, which likely means both are going to make the roster.

Dalyn Dawkins was Titans’ best offensive player

Dawkins has dealt with injury during the preseason, but he really showed up in Preseason Week 4.

The Colorado State product broke the 100-yard mark on the ground (13 carries for 117 yards) and caught four passes for 31 yards and two scores. His second touchdown ended up being the game-winner.

He was gaining chunks of yards all night, both on his own and with the help of his blockers. It was a nice night, but Dawkins won’t make the roster. Still, he could have done enough to draw interest from another team.

Kalif Raymond had a pretty quiet night

Raymond was pretty quiet aside from a 45-yard reception.

The fact that Taylor didn’t play on Thursday probably means the former third-round pick will make the roster, leaving Raymond on the outside looking in.

Logan Woodside was OK

Woodside had a rough start to the game, but recovered and ended up having a decent night. He finished 17-of-29 for 212 yards and two touchdowns.

It’s doubtful the Titans carry a third quarterback, despite Woodside having a solid preseason. He’ll likely be among the roster cuts over the weekend and could end up with another team when its all said and done.