Sonstiges » The Titans offense is still figuring things out

We all expected that side of the ball to lag behind the defense early on as Matt LaFleur’s new offense got broken in. Injuries to the Taylor Lewan Tennessee Titans T-Shirt , Jack Conklin, Dennis Kelly, Marcus Mariota, and Delanie Walker have exaggerated that learning curve.Through three weeks, we have really only seen snippets of the “real” Titans offense. Credit is due to the coaching staff for devising game plans that have resulted in wins despite having limited personnel at key spots, but it’s safe to say that 35 to 21 run to pass ratios like we saw in Jacksonville will be relatively rare when the team is healthier behind center. So while it’s hard to take too much away from what we’ve seen to this point, there are some trends with the wide receivers that are worth considering. Totaling the numbers for each receiver through three weeks, this is what you get:Corey Davis: 163 snaps, 24 targets, 13 catches, 151 yards, and 0 touchdownsTaywan Taylor: 65 snaps, 10 targets, 8 catches, 62 yards, and 1 touchdownTajae Sharpe: 110 snaps, 6 targets Tennessee Titans Hats , 2 catches, 31 yards, and 0 touchdownsRishard Matthews: 95 snaps, 6 targets, 3 catches, 11 yards, and 0 touchdownsDavis is the clear WR1, but that’s not really a surprise. That’s what you would expect from him in his second season after being the No. 5 overall pick in 2017. He’s playing very well in all aspects of the game and I would expect the production to start to match as the offense gets more aggressive attacking down field. However, the WR2 spot seems to be up for grabs. Tajae Sharpe started the season with a 84% snap share in Miami, but dropped to 47% in Week 2 and 39% in Week 3. Matthews has seen his snaps staying pretty steady at 52% in Week 1, 47% in Week 2, and 50% in Week 3. Matthews figured to be a virtual lock for that role heading in to the season, but his lack of production has been pretty shocking. He had easily been the Titans best receiver the last two seasons, posting a 65 catch, 945 yard, 9 TD stat line in 2016 and then a 53 catch, 795 yard Tennessee Titans Hoodie , 4 TD line in 2017. Obviously, missing valuable time during training camp while rehabbing a torn meniscus has hurt him to some degree and this could certainly be a case of a guy playing his way in to shape, but Matthews just doesn’t look like himself out there. Speed was never his game, but to my eyes he just looks a step slow right now. Meanwhile, the player who has seen his opportunities rising is also the player that has been most productive. Taywan Taylor’s snaps have jumped from 13% in Week 1 to 41% in Week 2 to 52% in Week 3. Part of that could be game plan related as the Titans have leaned heavy on the short passing game against Houston and Jacksonville which plays to Taylor’s skill set, but there is no doubt that he is making the most of his opportunities. Taylor could have had a really big play early against Jacksonville, but Gabbert sailed the pass high. Taylor was wide open and could have had a chance to score if the throw is catchable.Outside of that misfire, Titans QBs were 4 for 4 for 30 yards when throwing to Taylor on Sunday, including two big 3rd down conversions. Taylor’s speed and playmaking ability are dynamic and bring a big play threat to the field on any given snap. He was the WR2 with Davis for the majority of training camp before Sharpe suddenly passed him in the pecking order before preseason game No. 2. When Matthews returned, he slotted in above Taylor as well, but now momentum seems to have flipped. I would be surprised if we don’t see Taylor earn the second most receiver snaps for a second straight week this weekend. With Walker out, it is going to be crucial that the Titans find some production from at least one or two receivers not named Corey Davis. Taylor has clearly been the best of the group through three weeks and I would expect his playing time to continue to trend up in the weeks ahead. Tennessee will need more from Matthews and Sharpe than what it has gotten from them to this point, but Taylor’s play early in the season is very promising. Titans QB Marcus Mariota is set for his fourth regular season opener on Sunday in Miami. His level of comfort in OC Matt LaFleur’s offense will be on display against the Dolphins defense. Mariota must lean on built rapport with Delanie Walker and Rishard Matthews, and trust in newly develop(ing) chemistry with second year receiving weapons Corey Davis, Taywan Taylor and Jonnu Smith.Mariota will also explore options with Dion Lewis as a receiving back, and have confidence that both Lewis and Derrick Henry can impose their will on the ground.With weapons in place and the trust of LaFleur and HC Mike Vrabel, Mariota could find the spark he had the last time he kicked off the season in Florida.What do the numbers suggest?The fourth year quarterback is currently holds a 1-2 win/loss record Cheap Customized Tennessee Titans Jerseys , with his only win coming during his rookie season. The past two years, Mariota and the Titans were unable to earn wins against the Minnesota Vikings (2016) and Oakland Raiders (2017).Both the Vikings and Raiders had much better defensive units than the 2015 Buccaneers. The Dolphins defense have players along the defensive line that can be disruptive and some underrated cornerbacks. However, the absence of Ndamukong Suh benefits the Titans offensive line.He’s been sacked five times for a loss of 44 total yards. With some uncertainty at the right tackle position, it will be interesting to see how the Titans offensive line handles the Miami pass rush - especially on the right side.For Mariota to hit .500 on season openers, he must depend on his offensive line to buy him time and keep the pressure to a minimum. As I mentioned in a previous post, establishing the run while setting the tempo is a delicate balance that the Titans must strive to achieve. The bulk hinges on the play in the trenches.Steady ProductionMariota regular season opener averages are promising. He maintains a 64.9% completion rate and has thrown for 736 yards. He’s thrown six touchdowns in week one, but four were in his debut against Tampa Bay.Photo by Cliff McBride/Getty ImagesThe Titans receivers struggled to separate against Oakland last season and Mariota failed to throw a touchdown. He did make some nice throws, but there was some obvious miscommunication with the receivers that eliminated some offensive opportunities. Mariota didn’t play a snap with his receiving corps at full strength. That may create some hiccups early against Miami. Hiccups early are ok and can be weathered throughout the came. However, hiccups that translate to turnovers could be problematic and often times are the difference in wins and losses.Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty ImagesMariota has only thrown one interception in regular season openers but also has one lost fumble, totaling two turnovers. The fumble against the Vikings resulted in a Danielle Hunter touchdown that weighed heavily in a game decided by nine points. Using his Intangibles Mariota has used his legs to gain yards and put points on the board in the season openers. He’s toted the rock nine times for 51 yards and one touchdown, averaging roughly 5.5 yards per carry.In LaFleur’s offense, the overall design will feature a lot of Mariota on the move. Mariota has to run with confidence - a confidence that was shaky last season due to coming off a major injury. The Titans do not want to compromise Mariota’s health as the team’s season success correlates to Mariota not missing time due to injury. Implementing a lot of RPO’s, play-action, bootlegs and designed quarterback keepers will be meticulously used. Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty ImagesFor the Titans to board the plane from Miami with a win, Mariota will have to run and make plays with his legs. It’s a fact. Mariota has to find his groove in the offense and avoid hesitation when his instincts are telling him to run. He’s proven in the past few season that he knows when to slide and avoid taking the big hit. Expect he will use the same level of caution when on the move.Mariota knows how valuable he is to this offense - and to the team. He won’t jeopardize his health for a few extra yards.