What Stood Out In The Tennessee Titans’ Week 3 Preseason Win

New Orleans – The Tennessee Titans took their talents to New Orleans, Louisiana as they faced the Saints in their final preseason game. Tennessee entered this game with plenty of roster spots up for grabs and some good tape as they are coming off two wins.

The offense has shown flashes of explosive plays and innovative play calling. The defense has shown the aggression and discipline that has been preached by defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson all offseason. Tennessee hoped for this game to be more of the same.

 

Overview

Tennessee came out of their last game against the Saints victorious after scoring a game-winning touchdown to go up 30-27.

The Titans first-team offense had their way against the Saints in the first two drives of the game. Will Levis ended his day 7-8 for 118 yards. He wasn’t the only bright spot for the starters as Tony Pollard totaled 30 yards on seven touches and a touchdown on the day in two drives.

Defensively, the first team was tenacious and aggressive, getting after the New Orleans quarterbacks and stuffing their run game. Tennessee’s secondary only gave up one big completion during the first drives which is a good sign for a team that didn’t play many starters.

The second and third team defenses had their struggles, mainly in run defense as the Saints were able to run the ball seemingly at will. There were some bright spots featuring rookies James Williams and Jaylen Harrell. They both had good performances to add to their already impressive preseason.

The backup quarterback race got even harder to judge as both Malik Willis and Mason Rudolph had solid performances in the last game of the preseason. Rudolph went 11-15 for 114 yards, Willis went 3-4  for 51 yards and two touchdowns while adding three rushes for 39 yards. Willis lead the drive that would eventually seal the game for Tennessee which led to the Green Bay Packers trading a seventh-round draft pick for him.

 

Positives:

There were very effective and efficient moments on offense as a team. They were 5-12 on third down and 2-2 on 4th down conversions. They also had another solid performance in the red-zone after going 2-4 on their red-zone trips and scoring on their only goal-to-go.

The Titans first-team played very well and looked very methodical. They executed more of the playbook than we have seen in the past two weeks.

The Titans continue to get good performances from their rookies David Martin-Robinson and Jha’Quan Jackson. Martin-Robinson caught four receptions for 45 yards, good for second on the team for a third straight week. Jackson had a total of four returns for 68 total yards, adding to his impressive preseason as well.

 

Negatives:

Penalties were an issue for the Titans for a second straight week as a team. They had eight penalties for 67 yards in the game.

The lack of pass rush and good play from the secondary from the second and third string was evident in the second half. They gave up a lot of deep shots and didn’t generate consistent pressure in the second half.

Tennessee will now have to evaluate what they have seen in their three preseason games to whittle this roster down to 53 prior to the August 28th deadline. Tennessee will then start preparation for week one as they travel to Chicago to face the Bears.