Oakland Raiders Vs Tennessee Titans: Five Things To Take Away From Titans Win
The Tennessee Titans didn't waste any time making sure not to repeat last season's 0-6 start by completely dominating the Oakland Raiders on both sides of the ball in a 38-13 win.
For the most part it was a typical Jeff Fisher type game with a steady dose of running the ball (39 rushes) and passing the ball when needed.
It's just one game so it's important not to get carried away by beating a mediocre team, but 1-0 sounds so much better than 0-1.
A lot of things can be taken from this season opening win, but there's five major things that can be taken from this game that Titans fans should keep in mind.
Titans Offense More Balanced Than 2009 Team
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It seems like the Titans have been a run heavy team every since they came to Nashville, but yesterday's performance showed that this team can beat you with the pass as well.
The Titans managed to convert six first downs by going to the air and averaged over eight yards a pass against a Raiders pass defense that was seventh in the NFL in 2009.
Most of the production came from the backs and the two tight ends, with Nate Washington being the only wide receiver to record a reception.
Obviously the Titans run game is more dangerous than the passing game, but the passing game is more of a threat to opposing teams than it has ever been in the Vince Young era.
That might not be saying too much considering where the passing game has been in previous seasons.
The more of a threat the passing game becomes will mean better numbers for Chris Johnson and Javon Ringer. We saw that yesterday with both Johnson and Ringer having solid performances.
Wide Receivers Still Need Work
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As much as the passing game may be progressing, more production out of the wide receivers is still needed for the passing game to reach its maximum potential.
With the exception of Nate Washington, who had three receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown, the Titans wide receivers were virtually invisible against the Raiders.
Some of that is thanks to the fact that the Titans didn't need too much from their wide receivers. Justin Gage and rookie Marc Mariani were the only other receivers targeted by Vince Young, and that was once for each of them.
Maybe it was because the wide receivers weren't running effective routes, or maybe it was that Jeff Fisher simply didn't draw up too many plays with the wide receivers involved. If that's the case then that tells me that Fisher isn't extremely confident in this bunch of wide receivers.
Only targeting your wide receivers twice outside of one player may work against the woeful Raiders, but it won't work against the likes of the Colts, Texans, or even the Steelers who come to town next week.
If the passing game is going to reach its maximum potential then Kenny Britt and Justin Gage have to become conisistent contributors.
Titans Have a Two-Headed Monster at Running Back
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Chris Johnson is no longer the only running back in the Titans backfield that can stack up the rushing yards. Second-year player Javon Ringer has decided to join the party.
This will be a nightmare for opposing defenses to prepare for because both guys have different styles of running the football.
We know Johnson's style of running. Quick cuts and downright ridiculous speed.
Ringer on the other hand is a downhill runner who just keeps trucking those legs forward even after the first and second hit.
These guys definitely aren't going to split the carries evenly, but Ringer does play a vital role in this team's rushing attack. He proved that by getting his 15-yard touchdown run to put the Titans up 17-3.
Expect Ringer to get anywhere from five to 10 carries a game, which is plenty enough for a guy like Ringer to make a difference.
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Defensive Line Will Be Strong As Usual
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There were questions heading into the preseason about the unproven defensive line of the Titans. Those questions were partially answered against the Raiders.
They consistently made life more difficult for Jason Campbell, but Darren McFadden did manage to chalk 95 yards rushing and over five yards a carry.
The important thing here is the defensive line had a bend but don't break attitude. Jason Babin, Derrick Morgan, and Jacob Ford all managed to bring in a sack for the defensive line.
If there's one thing Jeff Fisher knows about football, it's how to put together a good defensive line. It'll be the cornerstone of this defense in 2010 and we got a taste of that yesterday against the Raiders.
Vince Young Has Mature Greatly
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Maturity is something that Vince Young has lacked since entering the NFL in 2006. That seems to be changing more and more after every game he plays.
Things looked bad from the start when Young fumbled the ball in Titans territory early in the game. He didn't let that shake his confidence and he came back to throw a beautiful touchdown pass to Nate Washington on the next possession.
That shows maturity and the Titans need Young to be that mature leader if they want to get to the postseason.
His numbers weren't that of a Peyton Manning or a Tom Brady, but he managed the game very effectively with zero interceptions and a passer rating of 142.
He finished with two touchdown passes, 154 yards passing, and a completion percentage of 76. That's pretty impressive no matter who it comes against.
Obviously Young will face a better test next week against the Steelers.
This team has a great shot at getting the AFC Wild Card if Young continues to play like he has in the preseason and in the season opener against the Raiders.
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