While it’s only the preseason, is this what having a defense is like? So far, so good from the newly constructed defensive unit. The offense continues to roll no matter who is in a backup QB.
Three Down:
Opposing teams’ touchdowns: How many touchdowns has the Titans’ defense allowed this preseason? Still 0. The Shane Bowen comeback tour is in full effect. Guys are making plays all over the place and without a doubt, if every team in the NFL only played their second and third teams, the Titans would be a Super Bowl contender.
Dillon Radunz: As Mike Herndon likes to point out, rookie linemen are typically bad. This has been true of Dillon so far. I can only hope he improves because right now he does not look like a guy worthy of a second round draft selection. Given who the Titans passed on (Terrace Marshall Jr.), and the waste of resources the past few years at the right tackle position, this is one to keep a close eye on as the season progresses.
The “Logan Woodside is the undisputed #2 crowd”: A lot of people (myself included) dismissed Matt Barkley as a legit threat to the backup QB job for the Titans. While it still might be Logan’s spot to lose, Barkley hasn’t exactly gone quietly into the night. A stellar 12/16 for 115 yards and two touchdowns will get the job done during the preseason. We’ll see if they continue to rotate between Woodside and Barkley next week against the hapless Bears.
Three Up:
Sam Ficken: 2/2 on field goals with a long of 58, 4/4 on PATs, and a brand new nickname. What a night for what should be the front runner for the kicker job. If he can continually do what he’s done in preseason, the kicker woes from last year will be long gone.
Mehki Sargent: From out of absolutely nowhere, Sargent looks like a very capable 3rd running back. the UDFA out of Iowa has made the most of his opportunity. He caught a TD pass from Barkley and rushed for 78 yards against the Bucs. I love watching this guy play and would be elated if he made the final 53, he could be another hidden gem found by GM Jon Robinson.
Elijah Molden: The entire defense played well on Saturday night, but Elijah really stood out. Play after play made and he totaled a sack, 2 TFLs, 1 PBU, 1 FF, and 8 tackles. Talk about stuffing the stat sheet. With almost an entirely new cornerback group, he is going to have a huge opportunity to get a lot of playing time. If he plays like he did against the Bucs, the Titans will have a hard time keeping him off the field.
Who did you think was up and who was down in today’s game? Let us know in the comments below!
