| Rookie Titans WR Kendall Wright has been one positive for the Titans in an otherwise frustrating start to the season. Tennessee is 3-6 through nine games. (US Presswire) |
The numbers are not encouraging. In Sunday’s 51-20 loss to the Chicago Bears, the Tennessee Titans allowed 30 points or more for the seventh time in nine games, prompting owner Bud Adams to publicly put management, coaches and players on notice via The Tennessean. The Titans have surrendered a league-high 308 points. After Week 16 of the 2011 season, Titans’ opponents had scored just 295.
By comparison, only eight other teams around the league have given up more than 200 points. With seven games remaining, the Titans are on pace to allow more than 547 points. The 1981 Baltimore Colts own the NFL record for points allowed in a 16-game season with 533.
It’s unfair to place all of the blame on the defense for the Titans’ inability to keep opponents off the board. Matt Hasselbeck, who has come on in relief of the injured Jake Locker, has seven TDs and five INTs through the seven games he has played -- two off the bench and five as the starter. Of Hasselbeck’s five interceptions, three have been returned for touchdowns. On special teams, the Titans have allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown and have had a blocked punt returned for a score in the last three weeks.
The schedule, as expected, has been brutal. If the playoffs started today, the Titans would have already faced five opponents projected to reach the postseason. The five teams have a combined record of 29-11 (72.5 percent). Tennessee’s remaining opponents are 26-23 (53.1 percent) this season.
Offensive MVP -- RB Chris Johnson: The All-Pro running back has overcome a slow start and has put a subpar 2011 behind him. Johnson has stopped dancing when looking for the home-run play and is hitting the holes more decisively. As a result, he ranks second in the AFC in rushing yards with 736 (5.0 ypc).
Defensive MVP -- DB Alterraun Verner: The third-year cornerback has used his instincts and savvy to record six TFLs -- a high number for a defensive back. Verner’s strip of Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew on his 72-yard return for a touchdown in Week 3 is arguably the Titans’ top defensive play of the season.
Rookie MVP -- WR Kendall Wright: The Titans' first-round pick leads the team with 42 receptions and is tied for first in the league in third-down catches (19). While no one expects Wright to put the numbers Jerry Rice did as a young receiver, the former Baylor wideout possesses the ability to produce yards after the catch as Rice did early in his career.
Top assistant coach -- QBs coach Dowell Loggains: The Sean Payton disciple is highly-regarded around the league and has a great rapport with Hasselbeck, Locker and Rusty Smith. Loggains has been instrumental in helping the quarterbacks learn a complex offensive system.
Biggest disappointment -- TE Jared Cook: Though Cook is tied for second on the team in receptions (30) and is averaging 12.6 yards per catch, he has the combination of size and athleticism to be significantly more explosive. Cook is tied for 12th among tight ends in receptions.
Biggest strength -- The talent in the passing game. Six Titans already have 20 receptions or more and seven have at least 17. While Kenny Britt’s slow recovery from three knee surgeries has left the Titans without a veritable No. 1 receiver, Tennessee has done a decent job of spreading the ball around.
Biggest weakness -- Pass defense. Though the pass rush has shown signs of improvements, the Titans still rank 27th in sacks per pass attempt (27th). In zone coverage against tight ends, the Titans’ defense has been porous. Tackling in space has also been a concern throughout the season.
Projected final record -- 7-9
Playoffs? It's unlikely the Titans will qualify for the postseason. It’s possible that the Titans could go undefeated over their final seven games and still not make the playoffs.
One fact you may not know but should know: DC Jerry Gray’s unit needs to be more competitive at the start of games to avoid being blitzed off the bus, as he likes to put it. The Titans have already allowed 103 first-quarter points. The franchise hasn’t surrendered more than 100 first-quarter points in a season since 1999.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Tennessee Titans, follow Matt Rybaltowski @CBSTitans.
Want to know who CBSSports.com says the MVP is? Check out our Midseason Awards.