The Titans suffered their first loss of the preseason, 27-24 to the Bears. The Titans did not have their full lineup of starters out there, but it would not have been a match for Jasper Horsted, future HoF TE. They now start to cut down the roster and plan for Arizona.
Three Down
Stretch’s coaching resume: Yes it was preseason, and yes he did not have much prior notice, but John Streicher did not have a very good head coaching debut in the absence of Mike Vrabel. The defense gave up 450% more points than they had the entire preseason so far and both QBs vying for the backup spot threw picks. I’m not sure whether it was the pregame speech or what, but the team looked less inspired. Sorry John, you won’t be leading a coup anytime soon. (Editor’s note: This is preposterous and Robert Greenlaw will be dealt with for the outlandish statements made about John Streicher.)
Marcus Johnson’s health: Johnson has by all reports, had a tremendous training camp. However, he has not performed this preseason. He had one catch for 6 yards on Saturday night and then was injured. Marcus has had a hard time staying healthy over his career, and his availability could certainly hurt his chances of making the final 53.
The Bears’ front office: Ryan Pace has proven time and time again to be one of the worst GM’s in football. He had around 30 TE’s on the roster at one point and his decision to roster both Andy Dalton and Nick Foles is a bit confusing as well. Both quarterbacks are fine in terms of being a backup, but your team is in trouble if you have either of them starting. Why are you paying both?
Three Up
Cameron Batson: With a crowded receiver room, Batson needed a big night and he got it. 4 catches for 45 yards and a touchdown, including a couple excellent grabs for a first down and later on a touchdown. He might not be a very dynamic returner, but he certainly made a claim for a roster spot.
Khari Blasingame: Staying with the offense, the Titan fullback made his presence felt on Saturday night with a 50 yard catch and run. I don’t believe his spot was ever in doubt, but if you believed Tory Carter would maybe come in and take his job, but that just hasn’t been the case. This competition is absolutely over and the winner is Khari.
Excitement level for the season: We will all get a bit of news this week when the roster cuts come. Who stays, who goes, are there any outside additions? After that is the waiting, which as we all know, is understood to be the hardest part. It’ll be a long two weeks until the 12th, where we will finally be able to see this team in all it’s glory, with Julio/A.J./Derrick/Tannehill, take on Arizona. I can’t wait, and I would imagine neither can any of you.
