With the Oakland Coliseum field wet from a week of drenching southern California rain, the Tennessee Titans took the field and laid the smackdown on the Oakland Raiders, 42-21.
Let’s talk about it.
1. Ryan Tannehill Continues to Set This Offense On Fire
Ryan Tannehill is on the verge, if he hasn’t already, of capturing the heart of every Titans fan in existence.
His 391 yard, 3 touchdown performance today was incredible. Big throw after big throw, keeping this offense in it as Derrick Henry battled a hamstring injury for much of the 2nd half.
I mean what else can you say? The guy has done nothing but do exactly what this staff wanted from him, and so much more. Even more, his play has made life easier for bruiser, Derrick Henry.
A win win!
The numbers inside this crazy turnaround from this Titans offense is borderline insane.
552 total yards of offense is the most in the #Titans era of the franchise. It’s the 6th best total in franchise history and the best total for the franchise in regulation since the AFL-NFL merger.
— Mike Herndon (@MikeHerndonNFL) December 9, 2019
He’s playing out of his mind right now, surely much better than any year he played as a Miami Dolphin. Speaking of dolphin, who would’ve thought Ryan Tannehill would be a main catalyst in a playoff run, let alone one of the more forgotten small market teams in the NFL?
No one in their right mind, if you’re looking for the answer.
It’s been fun to watch, especially since the Titans’ offense looked so bad early on in the season.
This offense has a real shot to make a lot of noise in January, that’s if the Titans make it there. But if they do, oh buddy you better watch out.
2. Defense Starts Slow, Finishes Well In The 2nd Half
Do you remember when this defense was the saving grace for the Titans? The reason the Titans didn’t fall into purgatory at the beginning of the year?
Those days are over now it seems.
This defense got off to a slow start for the 2nd consecutive week. The Raiders had their run game going early, and with that, they were able to use play action to move up and down the field with ease.
But once the 2nd half began, the defense made one stop and it set the tone for the rest of the game.
The pass rush didn’t turn up, but the run defense shored up, and the secondary stepped up as well.
Jayon Brown = Legend
46 yard scoop & score TD! #TitanUp#ProBowlVote + @JayonBrown pic.twitter.com/GlZ2DuesgZ
— Chris Cabott (@chriscabott) December 9, 2019
I will say this, the Titans can’t continue to have slow starts to important games like these.
With 3 important games coming up, fast starts on defense will be needed, considering these 2 specific opponents over the next 3 games carry high flying explosive offenses.
3. AJ Brown Is On The Way to Being a Star
When AJ Brown was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2019 NFL Draft, many thought he’d be able to bring instant impact to a Titans team that hasn’t had the best success with young wide receivers.
Not only has Brown brought impact, he’s slid into the conversation for Rookie of The Year.
Brown caught 5 passes for 153 yards today, including this 91 yard bomb from Ryan Tannehill.
Ryan Tannehill finds rookie AJ Brown for a 91-yard TD
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/wC1WvVJErv
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 8, 2019
I don’t know if it’s too early for this, but AJ Brown might be on his way to being the most complete wide receiver the Titans have had in years.
He’s a threat to make a big play whenever he gets the ball in his hands, so much of a threat that I have no idea why opposing squads haven’t made more of an effort to keep the ball out of his hands.
He’s a certified gamechanger and he has the look of a wide receiver that’s going to make plays in this league for a very long time.
This team is for real, and if you don’t know by now, you better learn quickly.
The tough road hasn’t started yet, the Titans are still in contention for an AFC South title, battling the Houston Texans.
Which makes next week’s clash even more sweeter.
Keep a close eye on these Tennessee Titans, as they have the potential to now make some loud noise in the playoffs.
That’s if, they take care of business.
Featured photo via Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images