Thoughts on team down the stretch

[OILERMAN]

For all the complaining about some of the flaws the team has had the last several weeks the Titans are actually in a pretty good spot right now.

 

The Titans have one of the best offenses in the league right now, honestly maybe the best. Their defense is way better from early in the season and with Kern returning their STs will be better, Kern is a weapon and helped win the game yesterday. 

 

Derrick Henry probably had the best game yesterday as a Titan. He hit the holes faster and harder than I can remember. Yes the OL opened holes but the way he attacked them made the OL look even better. If he runs like this the rest of the way the Titans are extremely dangerous. He was actually decent in the passing game, the TD was possibly a lateral but it was a catch all the same. 

 

Adding to Henry is the passing game. Brown and Davis are a very complete duo and Brown is a legit star #1. Both guys are playing well. Assuming Humphries returns the passing game is going to be very good heading into the playoffs. Jonnu wasn't even targeted yesterday. 

 

If this is the version of the team going into the playoffs the team is in the position we had hoped. They can compete with anyone

 

 

[IrishTitansFan]

Good post. The Chiefs defense improved dramatically at the end of the year last year too. The Titans have a real shot. 

[NFL2K5]

I'm not gonna pretend my confidence never wavered. A few weeks ago it did seem as if the season was unraveling. Bad defense, terrible special teams etc.

 

I don't need to comment on the offense because they been good all year. But I think borders and King at corner has helped tremendously. I do know Jim Haslett has been more vocal lately. I wonder if Vrabel has quietly gave him more input and say so with our defensive game plans. I thought when we first got Haslett he was our D coordinator. Something has definitely changed.

 

[heyitsmeallen]

At this point If Adoree is going to play this year, I want them to wait until the playoffs. Same with Clowney TBH Don’t risk reinjury until it’s win or go home. 

[Supdawg]

Very happy with how things are going.... But my #1 remaining complaint... WHERE IN THE FUCK IS KEVIN BYARD? Dude is playing like a straight ass. At this point, he needs to be benched and replace roles with Hooker. 

[NFL2K5]

7 minutes ago, heyitsmeallen said:

At this point If Adoree is going to play this year, I want them to wait until the playoffs. Same with Clowney TBH Don’t risk reinjury until it’s win or go home. 

 

Somewhat agree, however the past few weeks is telling me maybe Clowney shoulda hit the road like Beasley. If Clowney and Vrabel didn't have a connection he probably would have lol.

[japan]

It was obvious that Henry was running with way more intensity yesterday than he has been this season.  Not saying he’s been ‘less than’ for the previous games but I was wondering if Vrabel and crew got him worked up before this game.  He looked like he was running pissed. Maybe he subscribes to the Tom Brady motto of the games after Thanksgiving are the only ones that really matter.

[NFL2K5]

8 minutes ago, Supdawg said:

Very happy with how things are going.... But my #1 remaining complaint... WHERE IN THE FUCK IS KEVIN BYARD? Dude is playing like a straight ass. At this point, he needs to be benched and replace roles with Hooker. 

 

I don't know man. I need to see some game film that highlights him specifically. Byard doesn't just go from 8 interceptions to trash. Our defense overall in every aspect has been bad. There are alot of guys we could criticize. Where are they?

[IsntLifeFunny]

12 minutes ago, heyitsmeallen said:

At this point If Adoree is going to play this year, I want them to wait until the playoffs. Same with Clowney TBH Don’t risk reinjury until it’s win or go home. 

I think you’d have to give him some live reps before the playoffs. Maybe not a full game, but he’s going to have to knock off the rust. 

[Carpy]

Early wins make such a difference to teams in their preparation for playoffs.

 

The Titans can, and will, be patient with guys returning from injuries over the next few weeks.  
 

With only 1 team getting a bye this season and the #1 (and #2) seeds probably unattainable for the Titans, it would be a major bonus resting players before the playoffs.

 

Last year the Titans rested Henry who was carrying a minor injury in Week 16 and that paid off in spades by the time the playoffs rolled around.  It will be super important to be able to do the same thing this year if the Titans can lock up the division.

 

Having guys like Darrynton Evans, Adoree and Clowney get some game time without being rushed back gives them more options.

The depth on this roster is better than it has ever been and the Titans are building momentum at the right time of year.  They are definitely one of the top 5 chances to win the Super Bowl this year.

 

[oldschool]

I need to see the defense string a few more games together like the one they played yesterday before I'll feel like the defense is playoff caliber. They will be tested by the Browns, Packers, and Texans over the next 5 weeks so we should know one way or the other by Jan 10th.

[ctm]

21 minutes ago, Supdawg said:

Very happy with how things are going.... But my #1 remaining complaint... WHERE IN THE FUCK IS KEVIN BYARD? Dude is playing like a straight ass. At this point, he needs to be benched and replace roles with Hooker. 

IMO, Byard is much better roaming center field than playing in the box.  Next year, the Titans need to find another guy who can play in the box and cover TEs.  If J. Brown and Vacarro leave, Titans will need a coverage guy or two who aren't CBs.

[nine]

Titans are in a good spot overall and the offense is without a doubt one of best in the league....which helps a lot.

 

But I'm still not sold on the defense.     And while Kern's return is HUGE.....I shudder at the thought of pinning the team's hopes on Gostkowski in "win or go home" playoff situation.

[tgo]

54 minutes ago, heyitsmeallen said:

At this point If Adoree is going to play this year, I want them to wait until the playoffs. Same with Clowney TBH Don’t risk reinjury until it’s win or go home. 

I dont think it would be wise to throw Adoree in just for the playoffs after missing training camp, no preseason, and the whole season. He will be rusty and wont be quite in football shape. 

[IowaOiler]

The offense looked much more creative, mixing in hurry up and not running the ball every first down.  Henry was a beast, which helps, but I can only hope we find a way to keep Davis because he and Brown are really good together.  I'm not high on Humphries since he can't seem to stay healthy.  

 

The defense actually looked good after the 1st quarter, and we didn't put anything major on Gostkowski to fuck-up, so that was nice.  

 

What we saw yesterday was a good team.  I hope it wasn't a fluke.