Last week against Houston, the Titans were able to play on the most basic of difficulty settings due to the fact that the Texans are an abomination of a franchise. This week, against Kansas City, the level of difficulty ramped up to 11. I’ll be interested to see how they perform against one of the three best teams in the league. When they played the Bills, they were grossly outmatched, so we will see if they’ve improved.
As expected, the Titans didn’t do anything on Tuesday before the trade deadline. The team didn’t make a move at tackle (the most glaring need) or wide receiver. That’s ok. I’ve seen a lot of people saying that if you’re ok with the Titans not making a trade, you’re ok with mediocrity or division championships. As someone who could care less about division titles other than a means into the playoffs, I think it’s very possible to have an eye on the future while in the quasi-transition period the Titans live in.
Here’s a list of trades made before the deadline, and if you look at them, I don’t think there’s a single one other than the Ridley deal that I would have made, and Ridley doesn’t even help you in 2022.
The Titans sign in at 10th overall in the ESPN power rankings, with the rushing attack being a reason for optimism. Henry looks very good and the Titans are certainly going to lean on him. Could we see another 2,000 yard season from the King?
Perspective: Yes, Henry is great. And a lot of fun to talk about. Yes, he has been great against the Chiefs in the past. BUT if we beat the Chiefs (or challenge the Eagles/Bills) it will be on the strength of our defense and coaching staff turning in more incredible performances like we did against the Chiefs last year. Three points surrendered to the scariest offense in football.
Simmons, Dupree, Autry, Tart, Weaver (hopefully), and Walker are the names Tay the forefront of this week’s conversation. Are they good enough to embarrass the Chiefs again? Or has that Chiefs O-line improved enough since last year when they were newly forged?
On the other side of the ball, yes Henry. Yes to run-blocking. But two really BIG questions … (1) Will Tannehill play and play at full speed? (2) Will Frank Clark’s absence be enough to help our O-line be passable for a few clutch plays on third down?
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Lights out, in-your-face, take-the-ball-away defense is the only way to contention this year. And a complimentary run game with Tannehill protecting the ball and throwing just enough. Plus continuing to improve our punt game and return game so we flip the field with regularity.