The Titans go 3-0 for the first time since 2008 despite another up and down effort. There is clearly room for improvement with this team, but being undefeated is a very nice way to start the season.
Three Down:
The defense for 55 minutes: In the first half, the Titans gave up more yards to the Vikings than Minnesota had gained in the entire game the previous week. Justin Jefferson, who is very talented, had over 100 yards in the first half, something that should absolutely not happen. Jefferson continued his coming out party with a long TD reception in the third quarter on Jonathan Joseph. This offseason, the Titans said they needed more speed in their slot cornerback. Unfortunately Joseph is not the answer to that problem.
By the 11 minute mark in the second half, Dalvin Cook had over 100 yards rushing. Malcolm Butler continually was picked on, and made a couple hilariously bad plays in the run game.
First half offense: Even though they did a decent job moving the ball on the opposing defense, the Titans were just 1/7 on third down in the first half. The inability to convert forced Stephen Gostkowski to make three field goals. Going forward, this team will need to capitalize on its chances or else a better team will make them pay.
Taylor Lewan injury: Unfortunately injuries happen, and in the first half, Lewan suffered a shoulder injury. He was never able to come back in the game and his absence made it possible for us to endure a Ty Sambrailo vs Yannick Ngaokue matchup. Hopefully, it’s not a long term injury and he’s able to come back quickly.
Three Up:
Stephen Gostkowski: After missing kicks in his first two games as a Titan, Gost was money in Week 3. He was 3 for 3 in the first half after the offense could not finish any drive, and in the second half he continued with 3 more field goals and an extra point. For the third week in a row, he hit the eventual game winner.
Derrick Henry: For the first time this year, Henry looked incredibly dangerous for the Titans. He had 119 yards rushing and his first two touchdowns of the season. In the second half, it really felt like he was ready to break off a huge chunk play. Look out, NFL, D-Henber may have come a few months early this year.
4th-quarter crunch-time defense: When it mattered most, the defense came through. Jadeveon Clowney and Big Jeffery Simmons made their presence felt against the Vikings defensive line when the game was on the line. Somehow the Titans need to find a way to carry over the production and effort from the late game to the rest of the game.
Who did you think was up and who was down in today’s game? Let us know in the comments below!
Taylor Lewan has been on the turf being examined by trainers in each of the first three games this season. Concerning.
He’s definitely not a player that the Titans can afford to lose for a significant amount of time. I’m encouraged that he was listed as “questionable” to return during the game, and not immediately “out”.