If you have been paying attention to the preseason as a whole, you will notice there are several things that are consistently going right for the Tennessee Titans.
The first thing to point out is that the Titans' running backs have been very effective so far. In joint practices against both the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks, the Titans' running game was very effective by all accounts.
Tony Pollard seems like he is going to be the consistent engine that keeps drives moving if the Titans miss a pass or two, and Tyjae Spears is right there with him. Focusing just on the preseason games, the two have combined for 17 touches for 122 yards and a touchdown.
The most underrated aspects of the Tennessee Titans' preseason so far
The Titans are making the most of their opportunities when Cam Ward checks the ball down, and they have been equally as opportunistic running behind an offensive line that has been impressive throughout the entire preseason.
If the passing game is going to take time to gel, it helps to have the safety blanket of two talented and versatile running backs.
Speaking of things that can help a team that needs more time to gel, Bones Fassel has the Titans' special teams units humming again.
You have to start by highlighting Joey Slye, who has gone 8-for-8 on field goal attempts so far, half of which have come from 50 yards or further. He has really bounced back after a slow start to training camp, and has accounted for 26 points in two exhibition games.
While the return game has been average (All-Pro Chimere Dike isn't returning kicks in the preseason), the coverage units have been exceptional. Guys like Julius Chestnut and James Williams have been great at getting returners to the ground, and they are winning the hidden yardage battle during these preseason matchups.
There have been flashes of potential from the passing game and the defense, and there are several reasons why fans should expect them to be much better than what they have shown so far. However, the most consistent and positive parts of the Titans have come from the run game and special teams. Those phases deserve a ton of attention and respect, and those are the areas the Titans might need to hang their hat on early in the season while everything else comes together.
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