3. Where In The World Is Corey Davis?
Corey Davis went through a 2nd straight game without at least 5 receptions and 50 yards receiving. Not the expected numbers for a guy that is still considered WR1 for the Tennessee Titans.
When you start to dissect why he isn’t having much statistical success, you can easily pinpoint the Titans’ offensive line. Without Taylor Lewan and an unsteady Jamil Douglas at RG, Arthur Smith has had some hesitancy to call plays that can result in explosive results(long developing pass plays).
While you can also look to Derrick Henry also needing his touches and the fact that Delanie Walker is back after missing the 2018 season, you can also look towards the QB.
As evidenced by Mike Herndon of MusicCityMiracles, there were multiple touchdowns Marcus Mariota missed out on due to slow progression of reads or taking sacks when a throw could be made.
Missed Corey Davis TD #1. The Titans get Davis mismatched against a LINEBACKER in man coverage. Whether you want to blame a crappy stunt exchange by Kelly/Saffold or Mariota taking his eyes downfield, this is 6 if the ball is released by the time Davis clears the hash. pic.twitter.com/BSRyGDpbqB
— Mike Herndon (@MikeMiracles) September 17, 2019
This one is the one that irks me the most. Mariota has excellent protection. He is looking for Humphries or Sharpe, but has Davis running a backside pivot as a secondary read. Davis comes open, but Mariota never sees him because he starts looking to run instead of staying patient pic.twitter.com/u82hSQbvDQ
— Mike Herndon (@MikeMiracles) September 17, 2019
These types of plays are plays that have to be made right now. Especially for an offense that has struggled to throw the ball down the field consistently over the first 2 games.
I’d imagine Davis’ catches and targets will go up once Lewan returns, but there are still plays that are being left on the field.
The Titans have to take advantage of every single one of them while they can.
4. Gardner Minshew, The Jock Strap Legend
If you’re looking for a young QB with some character, then look no further than Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew. Minshew came on in relief duty in week 1 after Nick Foles went down with a shoulder injury, and he hasn’t disappointed.
Well his stories off the field rather.
His on the field play hasn’t been bad at all, aside from his performance last week that saw the Jaguars put up only 12 points.
Minshew hasn’t proven he can be some sort of anxiety filled gamechanger, but this is Thursday night football, anything can happen.
5. Interior Offensive Line Play Isn’t Where It Needs to Be
Coming into the season, the interior of the offensive line still appeared to be the weakest spot. Sure, Roger Saffold was the big money man and is for sure an upgrade over Quinton Spain, but the opposite side still had questions.
Gone was undersized Josh Kline and in came a plethora of new candidates to start at RG.
Kevin Pamphile and Corey Levin were returners from the previous 2018 team, plus Jamil Douglas was a practice squad member the year before. The newcomer was 2019 3rd round pick Nate Davis.
As camp went on, Pamphile started to gain the upper hand on the competition for the starting spot. Others got reps in as well, but in the end, Pamphile was named starter.
However, Pamhile hasn’t played a game this season. Leaving Jamil Douglas to start at RG and Nate Davis on the sidelines.
Douglas hasn’t been awful, but it’s clear the Titans would benefit from a better option.
His play, along with the inconsistencies of Ben Jones and Roger Saffold, have led to the Titans not getting nearly the amount of protection they need from the middle of the offensive line.
The Colts got 4 sacks on Sunday, the majority of those came from the interior of their defensive line. Compared to the Jaguars, the Colts don’t equal as much regarding talent on their defensive line.
If the Titans can’t neutralize the Jaguars’ interior pass rush, this game could end up in a sloppy mess with even more questions for the Titans offense.
6. Can The Titans’ Defense Not Give Up An Opening Drive Touchdown?
This defense for the Tennessee Titans has been pretty darn good over the first 2 weeks of this season.
The #Titans have not had eight sacks and four picks through two games, as they do now, since 2008.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) September 17, 2019
If you can’t find anything massive that this defense has done wrong, I wouldn’t blame you at all.
They’ve been downright dominant.
Well, except for their opening drive.
This defense has allowed an opening drive touchdown to opposing offenses for the first 2 games. The thing is, they haven’t been dominated on the drive either. They’ve blown great chances to get off the field early on those drives.
Adoree Jackson’s dropped INT in week 1 and Amani Hooker’s missed tackle on a 3rd and 12 in week 2. If those plays are made, the Titans would’ve been off the field on defense in a jiffy.
They’ll have an easier task to do so against Gardner Minshew tomorrow night.
7. Feed Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry has been called on to be the workhorse whenever the Titans face off against the Jags. While he hasn’t technically been the #1 RB in previous matchups, this time he will be.
His most notable performance against the Jags is a 238 yard performance in week 14 of last season. Setting franchise records that haven’t been broken since the days of Chris Johnson.
Now, with a prominent role in the offense, Henry is looking to have even more success against a Jags team that doesn’t look too hot right now.
Look for the Titans to feed Henry early and often, especially with the way this Jags pass rush can get going.
Flip the page for my prediction on the game.
