The first time the New York Jets faced the Tennessee Titans during the Eric Mangini Era, he was leading the 4-12 team he adopted to Nashville for Week One of the 2006 season. Coming off another 4-12 campaign, Mangini is once again taking a team with something to prove down to LP Field—but with a new cast of characters.
In 2006, he had Chad Pennington at quarterback—fresh off a second rotator-cuff surgery—and future Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin on the physically-unable-to-perform list as he considered retirement.
Pennington ended up throwing for 319 yards en route to a 23-16 road victory, and the Mangenius Era was in full swing!
Kerry Collins saw his first action as a member of the Titans days after being signed because Jeff Fisher didn't believe Vince Young was ready for NFL action. What a difference two years makes, right?
With minimal preparation, Collins, Travis Henry, and the Titans pushed the Jets in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns with two-point conversions when the game looked like the Jets were looking to run away with it.
The game was tough in Week One while both teams were trying to make sense of their talent. Now that both teams are in midseason form and leading their divisions, the game looks to be a much more competitive contest.
But which team has the edge?
10 and Is That So?
The new darlings of the NFL rest in Tennessee. Their story is a phenomenal one that the media simply loves, and they've been effectively executing on both sides of the ball.
They have a rookie running back that seems ready to become an NFL star, an old quarterback whose best years were supposed to be behind them, a defensive monster in Albert Haynesworth, and a head coach that deserves a title.
But are they really that good?
They've defeated the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, and—well, they beat the Colts and Ravens.
They were impressive victories, without a doubt. But both teams have considerable weaknesses in 2008. The Ravens have found success with a rookie quarterback in recent weeks, and the Colts seem to have hit a stride since losing to the Titans.
But has any other opponent of Tennessee's been truly formidable?
When the New York Jets roll into town, they will be facing the most well-rounded team on their schedule. The Jets can score on defense, offense, and special-teams.
12 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
David Arreola 7 months ago
Kris Jenkins will have to have a phenomenal game. He will have to stop the Titans running game and force Kerry Collins to win. Which he has done well over the last few weeks.
Brett Favre must play another flawless game.
In the end I feel like Favre is ready to stir up some magic this season.
Jets win 27-24 on a game-winning Favre drive.
Edit Comment Cancel
Tammy Lee 7 months ago
I love how every week it is reported that the next team the Titans face is the first real test for them. First it was the Colts, then it was da Bears, then the Jags. All of those were supposed to be the first real test. Now it is time for the Jets to be the first real test. What people do not understand is that anyone can lose on any given day no matter who they play in the NFL. Just ask the Giants. They had a let down and got beat by a bad Brown's team. Every week is a test for every team. I will admit that this will be a good game, but people need to stop thinking that the best team should win every game. It all depneds on who wants it the most. So far the Titans have wanted every game more than their opponent. We will see what another Sunday brings.
Edit Comment Cancel
Angel Navedo 7 months ago
Every week people want to see the undefeated team lose. The Colts were picked as a test given their reputation. They're not the same team. The Bears were also picked for their historic defensive reputation. And most pundits can't get over the fact that JAX is average this year after looking so good last year.
Regardless, all of those teams had question marks, and no real momentum to speak of. They're middle-of-the-pack, or worse. The Colts only recently turned it around, and they're still not convincing as contenders.
I know any team can lose on any given day. That's football, not science.
Edit Comment Cancel
Mike Rosado 7 months ago
Did you people understand the meaning of any given Sunday. It means any Sunday any team can win no matter how bad they are like Tammy says last year the Bucs outplayed the Lions in every aspect of the game but they came out short on points and lost so every Sunsay is a test for every team Ill be watching from the confort of my home in sunny Florida and for the Titans well you have a nice ride yes people are praying you guys to lose like "Miami" lol well I just enjoy really good football keep it up and maybe my Bucs can meet you here in Tampa in February.
Edit Comment Cancel
thomas moreland 7 months ago
i like the jets this weekend. more offensive firepower pure and simple .tennessee has had many close calls and won t be in it at the end of this game! no overtime or last minute saves this time. jets by 8! from a red hot Thomas[ NFL Mikee] Moreland10-4 ,11-3 ,13-2-1 last 3 weeks! lately i pick em they win! lol. i know , before you say it i m due for a rude awakening! i keep saying that but this is a very on year for me! Jets win this one!
Edit Comment Cancel
Kyle Latimer 7 months ago
“But has any other opponent of Tennessee's been truly formidable?”??? As a Packers fan I must beg the differ. Green Bay went into Tennessee and outplayed the Titans the entire game. However, the Packers lost in OT based on a coin toss. This is a GB team that beat up on the Colts that you put on your long list of teams that Titians have beat. Did you see ether of these games?
Edit Comment Cancel
Angel Navedo 7 months ago
It's tough to be considered the real deal when you're tired for first in the NFC North. Don't get me wrong, Kyle. I like GB, and would pick them over most teams on any Sunday—but at 5-5 and behind the Vikings with the tie-breakers, are they really formidable?
I suppose I could've included the Pack, but I wasn't considering potential. They don't fall under the category of opponents with winning records, so I overlooked them.
But it does support my argument that Tennessee isn't unbeatable. At 10-0, they're not the juggernaut everyone wants to make them out to be. Talented? Yes. Fortunate? Absolutely.
Edit Comment Cancel
Kyle Latimer 7 months ago
I agree with those points. I think we have the tie breaker over the Vikings in both Division record and Conference..Anyway, it should be an interesting game this week. Go New Jersey Bretts! haha
Edit Comment Cancel
Alan Lupiani 7 months ago
man, you are prolific...on fire. Go Jets!!
Edit Comment Cancel
Bruce Dickenson 7 months ago
We need Favre to convert on third, not throw interceptions and keep doing what we have been doing and we have a good shot. The Titans ARE a very good team and so are the JETS, so I believe the team that makes the fewer mistakes will win.
Edit Comment Cancel
Doug Dwyer 7 months ago
The Titan are the real deal. They will have home field advantage by 3 games over anyone else in the AFC. They keep winning the close games; that is what great teams do. The last two weeks they came back from behind to win. The know how to close out games. Collins has proved the Titans aren't one dimensional. Their defense can pick up when they need a stop.
The Jets have a chance, but are still a huge underdog. On offense, they have scored on their opening drives for 5 straight weeks. They need to continue that. Jets will have to pass first and run when it isn't expected. The Jets offense will have to score early and often. And the defense will have to come up with a turn over, because they give up lots of passing yards. I can't wait for Sunday. Go Jets!!
Edit Comment Cancel
Glenn Card 7 months ago
Angel,
Over 600 reads and not one comment? You know I'm a Pats fan and I hated that loss to the Jets. Right now I only see 3 possible games that could stop the Titans from going undefeated and first up is the Jets. I have to say I'm looking for the Jets to pull an upset in this outing. Good luck.
Edit Comment Cancel
Leave a Comment
You must register to post a comment.