For all intents and purposes, the 2009 NFL season is over for the Tennessee Titans. Marred by self-inflicted wounds in the form of back-breaking penalties and three costly turnovers, the Titans were defeated handily by the surging San Diego Chargers 42-17. Vince Young had his worst game since being re-inserted as the team’s starting QB, completing only 8 of his 21 throws for an abysmal 89 yards, while also tossing two interceptions and fumbling once. Up next…some additional thoughts on tonight’s disappointing Titan defeat. Boy, does this look familiar! Some of the frustrating elements that led to the Titans’ forgettable 0-6 start reared their ugly heads once more against the Chargers. Stupid penalties…check Injuries and inconsistency at the CB position…check Rookies having to step in for injured veterans on defense…check No pressure whatsoever on the opposing signal-caller…check Of course, it’s fitting that the Titans’ season would come to an official end due to some of the same problems that led to their horrible 0-6 start. Where’s the help outside of CJ? It’s a blessing to have a talented runner such as Chris Johnson who is capable of taking it the distance on any given play. Unfortunately, it’s a curse to have no one outside of CJ who is capable of providing opposing defenses with that same type of fear. Just take a look at the team that defeated the Titans tonight: With playmakers such as Antonio Gates, Tomlinson, Darren Sproles, Vincent Jackson and even Malcom Floyd, it’s literally a pick-your-poison situation for the defenses that face the Chargers. Outside of CJ, there isn’t another guy on the Titan offense that can be viewed as a legit, consistent playmaker. Sure, Kenny Britt has the potential, but he’s still a rookie. Justin Gage is solid, but nothing more. Nate Washington has the speed but due to his inconsistent at best hands, he’s probably hoping that the league brings back Stickum. At the TE position, Crumpler is a shell of his former self, Scaife is a solid safety valve and last but not least, despite his scary potential, it’s been a frustrating rookie year for phenom Jared Cook. These aren’t your father’s Tennessee Titans: successful teams that won with a combination of a strong defense and an offense that wasn’t relied upon to score tons of points. Unless the defense vastly improves in the offseason, the Titans’ best chance of winning will hinge on an offense that is capable of putting points on the board. That means either young guys such as Britt and Cook stepping up or securing the services of another playmaker or two this offseason. Final random musings Nick Harper, how we loathe thee…it’s not even possible to count the ways… Tough night for Vince, but I still think he’s done enough to be the guy at QB for the Titans moving forward. Hopefully, young players such as Gerald McRath, Jason McCourty and Sen’Derrick Marks will benefit in the long run with their on-the-job training due to the team’s myriad of defensive injuries this year. What has happened to Michael Griffin this year? I agree with Andrew that he’s had a terrible season in ’09. Love his potential, but Kenny Britt is NOT a kick returner. Hopefully, the team will find a viable replacement for Chris Carr this offseason. Enough of my venting…What are your lasting thoughts/impressions regarding the Titans’ lopsided defeat at the hands of the Chargers tonight? Don’t hold back, folks…tell us how you really feel.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
