Defense Plays Tough; Winning Ways Continue

by KlyVertigo | 8 years ago | 0 Comments

Defense Plays Tough; Winning Ways Continue

Coming out of the bye, the Titans planned on containing the explosive DeAndre Hopkins, but as a great pugilist once said, "everyone has a plan until they get hit in the mouth." On the very first play from scrimmage Osweiler hit Hopkins deep for a 75-yard touchdown. This, coupled with a stalled offensive drive in their first possession, left the Titans scrambling for answers. However, the Titans found a way to right the ship as they went on to defeat the Texans 31-23.

The Titans defense didn't let their first mistake dictate how the rest of the afternoon would go, and they actually played well the rest of the day. The Titans caused two turnovers, allowing their offense to capitalize with 10 points scored off of those turnovers. They also found ways to stall the Texans offense in critical moments, with great pressure on Osweiler. Their five sacks on the day put the Texans in less than ideal positions, which explains why the Texans failed to convert any third downs all game. Winning the field position battle is critical, and consistently making the Texans punt deep from their part of the field made it easier for the Titans offense to operate.

While it may have been EASIER, it by no means was EASY. The Titans offense was lead by Marcus Mariota with four TD passes and two INTs. Mariota and the rest of the offense was assaulted by JJ Watt all game long. He was pivotal in the Titans failing to rush for over 100 as a team and not finding the endzone on the ground. If Watt wasn't sacking the quarterback, he was finding ways to disrupt running plays by blowing up blocks and forcing our running backs to take the short gain. But Mariota found ways to make great reads when he had time. Tajae Sharpe ended the day with two TD receptions, while Ray Roman and Tyler Graham each contributed with one TD reception a piece.

The Titans hope to continue their winning ways as they travel to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars.