The Titans offense was a machine on Sunday, putting up 33 points against the Jaguars. Unfortunately, the defense also gave up 30 points and did not give much reason for optimism. The Titans did pull off the win and are now 2-0 for the first time since 2008.
Three Down:
Pass Defense: Gardner Minshew was able to carve up the Titans pass defense in the first half to the tune of 190 yards. Unfortunately, the start of the second half was not much better, with the Titans allowing them to drive over 7 minutes. The Titans were only able to get 2 sacks on Minshew all game, allowing him ample time to throw. Minshew finished the game 30/45 for 339 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Titans need Vic Beasley and Adoree Jackson back in a bad way. Credit where credit is due, when the team needed it most, the defense stepped up and got back-to-back stops including a game-clinching interception from the honorable Harold Landry.
Rush Defense: In the first half, the Titans bottled up the Jags’ run game pretty well, but in the second half, they completely unraveled. James Robinson scored on a 17-yard touchdown run and then had a 39-yard carry on the next drive. It really felt like the Jags could do whatever they wanted to on offense.
The home crowd turn-out: Unfortunately the Titans fans did not show up to this game, with only eight of them in attendance. This had to have made the Jaguars feel more at home. If only there were more tarps it really would have been a Jags home game. (/s)
Three Up:
Ryan Tannehill: In the first half, Tannehill had thrown one more touchdown than he had incompletions, and a YPA of 12.0. It would be hard to be better than Tannehill was in the first half. In the second half, Tannehill made an outrageous throw to Adam Humphries for his 4th touchdown of the game. Overall Tannehill had 4 touchdowns and a YPA of 9.96, both excellent marks. He’s proving his worth thus far.
Jonnu Smith: Three receptions, 80 yards, and 2 touchdowns in the first half for Smith, who was as efficient as he was dangerous. He also caught an impromptu pass from Tannehill in the second half. Going into 2020, many, myself included, thought this would be Jonnu’s breakout season. So far, so good for the 4th year tight end.
First half Gostkowski: After a Monday to forget, this was a Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. to remember. Gostkowski made all three of his PATs in the first half and a FG to close the half. Unfortunately, in the second half, he missed a PAT, but this is the “three up” section, so we won’t go there. With the game tied at 30, the three-time Super Bowl Champion came through from 49 yards to put the Titans up 33-30. Mike Vrabel stuck with Gostkowski and was rewarded on Sunday.
Who did you think was up and who was down in today’s game? Let us know in the comments below!
