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Last year's match-up between the Titans and Cardinals provided one of the greatest finishes in recent NFL history and marked the beginning of a career turnaround for a former first round draft pick. After downing a punt at the one yard line, Vince Young took the 4-6 Titans - who previously started the season 0-6 under Kerry Collins - 99 yards for a game-winning touchdown. The former Texas star converted three fourth downs, including the one at the end of the game.
Last night's match-up didn't provide the same sort of suspense, but it was still a great showing by Young and the rest of the Tennessee squad. In their 24-10 win, I was impressed by just about everything the Titans did, and couldn't pick out a major flaw like last week.
Without further adieu, here's your Titans' good, bad and ugly for their second pre-season game.
Good:
- Vince Young. Over his first four seasons, I've never seen him perform particularly well in the pre-season. This year is different so far. He looked very sharp, hitting on almost all of his throws, even on an incompletion where he was a missed pass interference call from connecting Nate Washington for a huge gain. The third drive was great as well, as the passing game for once set up the running game for the Titans first touchdown.
- The receiving corps. Besides Paul Williams (why isn't he cut yet?), everyone performed well. Nate Washington made a very nice catch and was Vince's favorite target. Craig Stevens stopped being strictly a blocking tight end and brought in a perfect pass. Damian Williams impressed in his pre-season debut with some catches from Kerry Collins (who played well also). Jared Cook even finally found some playing time and responded well. I'm just as excited as Jeff Fisher when talking about this group, as he says it's the most talented group he's had since starting here 16 years ago.
- Running game. Chris Johnson ran okay (he is never a good pre-season player), but the other three backs were impressive. Javon Ringer found the open holes, Samkon Gado ran very hard and LaGarrette Blount was much better than last week.
- Pass rush. The first-string didn't get a sack, but they were in Matt Leinart and Derek Anderson's faces all game. Let's not forget they're playing without two starters and their first round pick on the defensive line. Jason Jones WILL have a big season if he stays healthy; quote me.
- Run defense. Gerald McRath is going to be a monster; it seemed like he was in on every tackle. It sucks he'll miss the first four games due to suspension though. Will Witherspoon and Stephen Tulloch looked sharp and Rennie Curran was decent.
- Chuck Cecil. I never, I mean NEVER praise this guy. However, he called a great game tonight, dialing up all the right blitz combinations to make Matt Leinart's life a living hell. Derek Anderson had one big throw, but was shut down for the rest of the night.
Bad:
- Jason McCourty. I needed to put someone/something here, so McCourty takes the slot for playing mediocre. Stephen Williams, a rookie receiver from Toledo, had his number most of the night.
Ugly:
- Chris Johnson's teeth.
Next week will probably be less detailed, as I'll be moving back in at college on the night of the game, but there'll be something up. Onto Carolina we go!
