Titans Stumble Out The Gate

by KlyVertigo | 8 years ago | 0 Comments

The Tennessee Titans hoped to open the 2018 campaign with a strong performance, continuing on what they had established last season when they won the division. However they opened the season with a dud, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs 29-7.

The Titans rushing attack looked strong early and often throughout the game. In fact, running the ball was the only positive on the day for the Tennessee Titans, averaging close to eight yards per attempt. However, the Titans only managed to run the ball 15 times due to them playing from behind the whole game. Last season this wouldn't have been an issue given how efficient Mariota and their passing offense has historically been, however their efficiency was marred by a lackluster performance by veteran QB Marcus Mariota. Mariota managed only 50% completion percentage on the day, and crushed the Titans momentum with two critical red zone turnovers. The Chiefs appeared to be world-beaters, defeating the Titans not only on the scoreboard, but in every facet of the game. In fact, the Chiefs were less than one minute from pitching a season opening shutout, save for a 70+ yard TD rumble in garbage time from RB Darius Jackson.

To make matters worse, the game wasn't the only thing lost to the Titans. The promising sophomore season of the overachieving WR Ray Roman has hit a speed-bump as he went down for six weeks with an upper arm fracture. The rookie Segwick Worthen has been promoted from the practice squad to add depth at the WR position. Also lost to injury was sophomore TE Stanley Coe, the heir apparent to All-Pro TE Delanie Walker. His four week absence to a shoulder tear will deal a significant blow, but TE Trey Burton is prepared to fill his role.

The three score rout has put an early damper on their high expectations of moving to the next level, but an excellent bounce back opportunity presents itself next week as the Titans host the AFC Champion Buffalo Bills.