Did anybody see this coming? Coming out of the preseason, the Tennessee Titans had a ton of question marks on offense. Based on last year's performance, we knew the Titans had a playoff caliber team, but the offense's shortcomings kept expectations quite conservative.
However, the Titans appear to be blossoming. Quarterback Kerry Collins has stepped in and done a good job replacing Vince Young. The one-two punch of Chris Johnson and LenDale White anchors a formidable running game. Plus, the defense continues to be first rate. The Minnesota Vikings come to Nashville this week, and the Titans have a legitimate shot of ending the first quarter of the season with a 4-0 record.
The Vikings begin and end with running back Adrian Peterson. He can dominate a game, and expecting the Titans to completely shut him down is unrealistic. It's okay if he runs for 100 yards, but he can't be allowed to break long runs. The Vikings passing game is shaky at best. Journeyman Gus Frerotte took over as quarterback last week and led them to a win over Carolina.
The Titans have to make the Vikings one dimensional. Put pressure on Gus and good things will happen.
The pick: Tennessee 24 Minnesota 20
Other picks: Jacksonville over Houston, Denver over Kansas City, Dallas over Washington, New Orleans over San Francisco, San Diego over Oakland
Last week: 4-2 (.667), Overall: 10-7 (.588)
2 comments:
I hope they win. This game may be their first real test. MN has had two losses but they were close games with two good teams. And they beat Carolina. So TN has their work cut out for them. Seems like Collins has been what the team needed- a confident, consistent team leader. I have nothing against VY - though I don't think he was the best choice at QB in the draft for us - but it wouldn't bother me if he's able to play the entire season, esp if the rest of the offense and pick it up a step and the defense can keep making big plays.
Titans 30 Vikings 17. Good teams force turnovers and take advantage of those turnovers. Today, Tennessee forced four turnovers and scored 21 points off those mistakes. Good job.
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