Reflections from Week 2

Reflections from Week 2

Well, that was awesome. I mean seriously awesome. Not too many people thought we would win this game

I have to give major props to the trenches. Games are won and lost there and both sides of the line played extremely well against the Ravens. I have been very critical of the interior line with good reason but the entire unit stepped up and brought their A game. Matt Hasselbeck enjoyed great protection and had an amazing day completing passes to 9 different receivers.

Speaking of the receivers it is good to see Kenny Britt mature and hopefully come into his own as a go to receiver. While his talent was always in play his decision making and maturity has rightfully been a question as off field issues accumulated during previous two offseasons. He appears to be maturing and putting those issues in his past. If he stays out of trouble and continues to grow he has the capacity to be an elite NFL receiver.

Major props also to new Dad Nate Washington who really came through in the passing game as well. Washington ended the game with 7 catches for 99 yards. When was the last time we had two wide receivers with 100 yard games? Let’s face it that hasn’t happened very often either.

I know fans are unhappy with Chris Johnson but I really wish they would chill out. The running game has struggled but it is not entirely CJ’s fault. Yes he is rusty from his holdout but the interior line has struggled as well. In any event, having CJ in the game completely changes the complexion of the defense you face as evidenced by the Ravens game. Be patient and I think you will see the running game continue to get better every game.

What can you say about the defensive line except welcome back Derrick Morgan and Jason Jones? Oh how missed you were on the defense. The defensive line got consistent pressure on Joe Flacco and got good penetration on the run as well. Just a really great overall performance by the defensive line. The rookie DT’s, especially Karl Klug, are playing very solid football. I continue to be very impressed overall by this year’s draft class.

The secondary also played very well. Jason McCourty is very underrated as a defensive back. He is really playing outstanding so far this year. Against the Ravens he had 4 tackles and 1 interception. Michael Griffin also had an outstanding game. Let’s hope that trend continues as I continue to believe he can be the best young safety in the league if he gets his game together. It was good to see him be more physical again. Although, maybe a little too physical on one play huh Griff?

Also the play of the linebackers has been great this year, although we still seem to have issues covering the flat. Barrett Ruud looks to be a nice addition at MLB. Akeem Ayers if he continues to grow and learn is going to be a star in this league. He is already playing solid football and I believe it is only a matter to time before he has a breakout game that will cause everyone to take notice. Will Witherspoon’s play has gone largely unnoticed which is a shame since he has played two excellent games.

Special teams continue to be an area where we really need improvement. The unit gave up a 77 yard kickoff return that fortunately only lead to a Ravens field goal. The usually reliable Rob Bironas inexplicably misses a field goal. Punting was much better this week but then again we only punted twice. Not that I’m complaining. Nope, not me.

Finally, i have to give a major shoutout to the coaching staff. After the Jacksonsville game it was fair to question whether this was going to be the same team we saw in 2010. The Ravens game certainly laid to rest some of those concerns. Mike Munchak showed major cajones going for it on 4th down twice. The overall gameplan was outstanding. If the trend continues the future does indeed look bright.

In summary, this is a game I believed the Titans could play but just wasn’t sure after the Jacksonville game that they would play. The Titans dominated the time of possession which was a vast improvement over the Jacksonville game and was great to see. I would still like to see the Titans get better in the penalty department as we racked up 70 yards on 6 penalties. Still, again this game was a vast improvement over the Jacksonville game. All in all this was a great team effort.