Titans vs. Panthers: 5 Things We Learned from Tennessee's 30-3 Win

The Tennessee Titans had their most balanced performance of the year as they demolished the Carolina Panthers 30-3 in their Week 10 matchup.

The Titans (5-4) stayed two games behind the division-leading Houston Texans in the AFC South, while the Panthers (2-7) continue to develop their young core.

Here are five things we learned from Tennessee's big victory on the road.

1. Titans Special Teams Is Turning the Corner

In two out of their last three games, the Tennessee Titans have scored a special teams touchdown and gone on to win the game.

Marc Mariani returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown and the special teams allowed the Tennessee Titans to get out to a quick lead against the Carolina Panthers in Week 10. 

In Week 8, the Titans scored a touchdown on a blocked punt as they went on to win at home against the Indianapolis Colts.  

Tennessee will need consistent production on both sides of special teams in their push toward the playoffs.

2. Tennessee Is Learning How to Stop the Run

The Tennessee Titans had struggled mightily against the run over the past four weeks, and with a matchup against Cam Newton and the two-headed Carolina Panthers running attack, their next contest looked bleak. 

Panthers running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathon Stewart combined with rookie quarterback Cam Newton for 113 yards rushing on a tough afternoon for the Carolina trio. 

The Titans sacked Newton five times and forced him to fumble once. 

Tennessee must continue their swarming effort led by rookie linebacker Akeem Ayers in their tilt with the Atlanta Falcons' Michael Turner next week.

3. When Tennessee Wins the Turnover Battle, They Win the Game

The Tennessee Titans won the turnover battle for the third time this season in their huge win against the Carolina Panthers Sunday.

The Titans forced two turnovers to the Panther's one and moved to 3-0 (Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts) in games where they forced more turnovers than giveaways. 

In games where the Titans had more giveaways than takeaways, they are 0-2 (Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals).

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck must protect the ball and the Titans secondary must continue to force turnovers if they plan to stay above .500.

4. Damian Williams Is Coming into His Own

Second-year receiver Damian Williams recorded his first 100-yard receiving game of his career and is putting up solid red-zone numbers en route to his best year as a pro.

Williams caught five passes for 107 yards and a touchdown—his fourth in the last six games.

With Nate Washington struggling with a hip injury, among other nagging pains, Williams found the perfect time to step up and start recording significant catches. 

5. CJ Is Looking More Like CJ2K

Week 9 served as a warmup run for Chris Johnson, as he eclipsed 100 yards rushing for only the second time in the 2011 season.

Johnson rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries in the Tennessee Titans' Week 10 victory against the Carolina Panthers.

The Titans' most significant playmaker had 144 all-purpose yards Sunday and the Titans cruised through Carolina.

They will need a similar output if they hope to run through the Atlanta Falcons in Week 11 in the Georgia Dome.