Justin Reid had a breakout game in last week's 31-14 win over the Jaguars. In the win Reid had 3 interceptions with one being returned for a touchdown. For the year Reid has six interceptions with three of those being returned for a TD. Coach Chris Dale said that Reid has grown up a lot since his rookie campaign last year, "Believe it or not, Justin has gotten faster and more explosive since last year. On top of that he has gotten more comfortable with our scheme and is really anticipating throws in our zone coverages". Coach Dale also said Reid likes to watch film of his favorite player, Ed Reed. "He has a similar last name, wears the same number and his return for TD ability is very similar. If he keeps playing like this he could have a similar career as the HOF inductee".
The Texans made a blockbuster trade with the Miami Dolphins to acquire Laremy Tunsil and Kenny Stills. Tunsil provides a huge boost to the Texans OL which was very weak, giving Deshaun Watson some security on his blindside.
Stills expected to be a big time contributer as the teams #2 receiver. Watson has spread the ball around to the deep receiving corps and Stills has voiced his disapproval about his lack of touches. Texans Head coach Chris Dale responded by giving him more targets this past week and Stills even got into the endzone. Expext more from Stills in Weeks to come.
In a game with AFC South title implications, the Titans were able to get back on track by beating the Houston Texans 29-17. A big reason the Titans were successful was their pass rush led by rookie OLB Julius Graham who led the way with 4.5 sacks and a safety. The Titans sacked Watson 12 times and forced him to rush progressions and throw two interceptions. Coach Marcus Garvey said that the team has been waiting for a performance like this since early in the season when the Titans were off to a 5-1 start.
Since starting 5-1 the Titans lost 3 of 4 games before getting back on track against the Texans. Julius Graham said that the loss against the Texans the first time around left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth and this presented a great opportunity to get things back on track.
Although the defense shined, the offense had some bright spots as well. Rookie running back Malik Robinson had another good day with over 100 yards rushing and 2 TDs and tight end Jonnu Smith added a play to his highlight film. After forcing a punt, the Texans downed the ball all the way back on the Titans 1 yard line and the next play put Smith in the record books. Smith scored on a 99 yard touchdown pass, guaranteeing that his name will be etched into the record books forever.
With the win the Titans are now 7-4 while the Texans are 6-5. The MCL is currently investigating the results of the Texans Jags game that resulted in a loss for the Texans. If that game were to be reversed the Titans and Texans would be tied with tie breakers to determine playoff spots if they finished the season with the same record.
Adoree Jackson was playing in the shadows of rookie corner James Cole. Cole was off to a fast start with 4 early interceptions with three of the returned for touchdowns. With cornerback depth the Titans front office started shopping some of the Titans young talent including Jackson, Taywan Taylor and Corey Davis.
The combination of Cole's success and the trade rumors sparked Jackson's stellar play the past four games. In those games, Jackson has exploded for five interceptions with two returned for touchdowns with four of those five coming in the last two games. When asked if there has been tension between the two corners Jackson quickly rejected the notion, "No way... James has been a great addition to this team. We have pushed each other to be better and I think that has shown in the games". The Titans secondary looks sharp and it might be wise to keep the two young corners together for the future.
Through two weeks of MCL play, the Titans rookie class has played good football. Critics projected 2nd round pick OLB Julius Graham as a mid-late round pick and the Titans snagged him in the second round. Graham has produced 7 sacks, 5TFL, 3 FF and a FR for a TD. Graham’s best play so far came on a sack force fumble in which he recovered and ran 82 yards for a TD showing off his 4.4 speed.
Rookie cornerback James Cole who was selected in the first round is a tall, fast defender with tremendous man coverage skills was labeled by many as a player “near their ceiling”. Cole’s play through three games has shown that he is out to prove people wrong. The rookie has picked off 4 passes and has returned 3 of them back for TDs. When asked who his favorite players are he said he had two... Ed Reed and Deion Sanders. When he gets his hands on the ball he turns into an offensive player desperate for the endzone.
The last spotlighted Titans rookie is running back Malik Robinson who was a 4th rounder. Robinson was labeled as a back with track speed who doesn’t know how to play football. All he has done is rushed for 380 yards and 4 TDs while catching 2 passes for 44 yards and a TD. Robinson says that he will only get better as he gets a feel for the offense and wants to challenge CJ2K rushing record.
Small sample size... but great production and start for this rookie class.
As we enter the 2019 MCL draft, coach Marcus Garvey of the Tennessee Titans will look to add more talent to a roster that is full of young talent. Two rookies who had standout years last year were OLB Effrem Holmes and nickel CB Antuan Pennel . Both rookies were selected to the pro bowl and Holmes earned RDPOY in the AFC conference. Coach Garvey credited the coaching staff for bringing them along quickly and the scouting department for finding talent in the middle and late rounds. Garvey also said a key to making the playoffs this year will be having another successful draft and bringing the rookies along quickly like they did in 2018. If they are able to do this, there is no doubt they should be fighting for a playoff spot in 2019.