Costly Turnovers Doom the Titans in New orleans
The Titans dropped the season opener on the road in New Orleans, losing to the Saints 16-15. The game was a classic defensive slugfest, but New Orleans made big-time plays offensively when it mattered most. On the other hand, the Titans’ offense consistently fumbled the bag with self-inflicted mistakes and turnovers, particularly from QB Ryan Tannehill and OC Tim Kelly….
Starting with Tannehill, the veteran had a jaw-dropping three interceptions, all being terrible decisions and throws. Some interceptions were forced into double coverage, some were just bad reads, and some were flat-out inaccurate throws. He had three picks but should’ve really had about five or six. It was an all-time terrible performance from one of the greatest QBs in franchise history. The Titans’ offensive line didn’t do too much to help out their QB though, as the unit gave up three sacks and had numerous pre-snap penalties. Treylon Burks was a non-factor for most of this game as well, but Deandre Hopkins had a nice Titans’ debut with seven catches for 65 yards. Yes, Tannehill was awful, but his offensive coordinator let the team down as well!!
Tim Kelly gets a near-failing grade in his first game as the Titans’ offensive coordinator. Kelly’s predictable play calling and terrible third-down calls are just two of his problems. 15 carries for Derrick Henry is just pitiful and disgusting. Henry was a complete non-factor in the second half, as he was given just four carries. Also, Kelly has to stop calling this empty backfield, five-wide receiver set because its success rate is as low as Treylon Burks’ targets today. Long story short, Kelly did an awful job solving problems and finding ways to get his best players the ball…
One unit that I will not be bashing is the defense. The Titans’ offense put the defense in terrible spots and situations the entire game, but they single-handedly kept Tennessee in the game. The Titans’ pass rush might be the best in the NFL, and the secondary played pretty well until the final drive. Shane Bowens’ unit played a terrific game and kept the Titans in the ball game. Nick Folk played an excellent game today as well, going 5/5 on the day with a long of 50. Folk and the Titans’ defense were the big positives of today…
The Titans lost a game they should’ve won today, it’s that simple. The Saints didn’t do anything out of the ordinary, and that has to be frustrating for Tennessee. The defense and Nick Folk are the big positives of this game, but there is one more as well: It’s only Week 1. Joe Burrow and the Bengals got destroyed today, the Chiefs lost on Thursday, and the Vikings lost to the Bucs. Week One is always unpredictable and crazy, so there’s no need to overreact…
IMAGE VIA THE TENNESSEAN
