No one takes preseason results all that seriously, but teams always prefer winning to losing. With the first game under new head coach Brian Callahan now in the win column, the Titans are generally encouraged about a lot of the possibilities they can see based on results from that 17-13 victory. While starter Will Levi only played a couple of series, the offense got two touchdowns during his stint. That’s the kind of production that they’re hoping to get, finishing drives and scoring seven points rather than settling for field goals. While new acquisitions running back Tony Pollard and wide receiver Calvin Ridley didn’t play very much, both showed flashes of the kinds of things the Titans hope to see from them throughout the season.
Pollard, expected to divide time in the backfield with Tyjae Spears, had three touches during the opening touchdown drive. He ended with 35 rushing yards and 11 yards receiving in limited time, while Ridley had one key catch for 22 yards on the second possession. Ridley is expected to be not only an additional offensive weapon, but another dangerous receiver who can prevent teams from double-covering DeAndre Hopkins once he comes back from his knee injury (expected back by either game 2 or 3).
The Titans also got bonuses from special teams, with a 62-yard kickoff return from Kearis Jackson, and a 26-yard punt return. They also were happy with the offensive line’s performance (only one sack). The team gave up 64 last season, a major reason for the offensive inconsistency. Defensively, they got a big game from Chance Campbell, someone who’s only played four games the last two years due to injury. He had a sack, three tackles, a special teams hit and an interception. If Campbell can stay healthy and contribute all season, that’s a big bonus for the defense. They also managed good looks at number two QB Mason Rudolph and number three Malik Willis, with Willis directing the last scoring drive that ended in a 34-yard field goal from Brandon Narveson.
Some things to work on include being stopped short on two fourth down rushing plays when they needed a yard, and too many second half penalties. But those are expected with reserve-heavy lineups. Perhaps the biggest indicator of things to come was the 29 passes attempted, with 19 completions from the three quarterbacks. With Derrick Henry now in Baltimore, this team has shifted gears to a pass-first offense. More evidence of that will be on notice Saturday when they host the Seattle Seahawks in the second preseason game.
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