Tennessee Titans fans are used to being unhappy with losses after two years with six combined wins; however, Thursday's preseason game reminded fans what it is like to be unhappy with a win.
The fact is, since the Titans boarded the plane for California, they were outworked and overshadowed by the San Francisco 49ers. After three drives with the Titans starters vs the 49ers backups, it was an embarrassing 7-7 game, and that isn't a proper reflection of what this team could be by the end of this season.
This team has talented players and proven coaches, but what they don't have is proven competency as a group, and that is what led to the disappointing feeling in the gut of every Titans fan this morning.
Titans reminded fans just how long their rebuild could take in preseason opener
Competency takes time and reps, which is why Robert Saleh gave the starters 20+ snaps before pulling them in the preseason games. This team will be much better than it showed, but they need time to get comfortable with this offense and defense when the real bullets are flying.
Cam Ward's tough night was a great example of this issue. On the first drive, he made things happen, but he still had a two-yard scramble where he looked indecisive about whether he wanted to run or pass. Later on that drive, he also sailed a quick screen pass because he was rushing his mechanics instead of just playing with urgency.
There were plays to be made, and the other parts of the offense were working, but this was Ward's second time running plays in this offense where there was a real threat of being hit. He needs time to settle in and play with urgency without rushing his mechanics or decision-making.
Similarly, the Titans' defensive backs were all half a second late triggering on the ball. When you play a zone-heavy scheme like Saleh uses, you have to have a great feel for your coverage responsibilities and which receiver is in your area. That way, when the ball comes out, you can get downhill and try to make a play on the ball at the catch point.
Several times throughout the night, the Titans starters were there to make contact with the receiver and to get physical, but they were just late enough that they never really affected the hands of the receiver or the ball.
Time should fix most of these issues, but it is a great reminder of why expectations for this season are too high right now. The first month or two might look a lot like last night, and there will be ups and downs with such a young team. If the Titans overperform, that is great, but the expectation should still be that this is a team two years into a rebuild, and the goal is to be more competitive this season.
With their schedule, seven wins would be a very respectable season, but the most important thing is that all of the young pieces move in the right direction and that this coaching staff shows that they are capable of weathering the storm and getting this franchise back to where it needs to be.
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