| Titans quarterback Jake Locker scrambles against the Dolphins in the first quarter. Locker returned Sunday after missing five games with a shoulder injury. (US Presswire) |
In the midst of arguably the most frustrating week of the season, Tennessee Titans coach Mike Munchak continually asserted that his team’s 51-20 loss to the Chicago Bears days earlier should be considered an anomaly.
The Titans lost four fumbles and allowed 35 points as a result of turnovers and special teams errors in the defeat. On Sunday in Miami, the Titans looked nothing like the error-prone team that surrendered 28 points in the opening quarter against Chicago. Tennessee forced a season-high four turnovers, including a 49-yard interception return for a touchdown by LB Colin McCarthy in a 37-3 win over the Dolphins.
For a defense that allowed at least 30 points in seven of its first nine games, the playmaking ability exhibited in the victory should provide some optimism. Munchak couldn’t have asked for a better effort heading into the bye.
Offense: A-
Though Jake Locker had trouble with his accuracy in the opening half, the Titans quarterback deserves a reprieve after being sidelined for the team’s previous five games. Locker showed gumption in leaving the pocket in spite of his shoulder injury and displayed touch on a 26-yard touchdown to TE Jared Cook. The spectacular display of athleticism by Cook on the diving grab explains why the Titans didn’t consider trading the fourth-year tight end before the trade deadline. Chris Johnson, meanwhile, arguably delivered his most jaw-dropping highlight since his 2,000 yard season in 2009. Johnson appeared to be bottled up near the right sideline on a first quarter run but eluded several defenders, changed fields and found an opening on a 17-yard touchdown. Johnson ran closer to 60 on the score. With 126 yards on 23 carries, Johnson has now averaged more than 130 yards per game in his last five contests. Previous game's grade: F
Defense: A+
The Titans finished with a plus-4 turnover margin for the first time under Munchak. It marked the first time in more than two seasons that the Titans have finished with at least a plus-3 turnover margin. Tennessee is now 5-0 under Munchak when it has a turnover margin of plus-2 or more. DB Jason McCourty made a fantastic individual effort on a stripped fumble and subsequent recovery in the first quarter. McCourty’s play set the tone for the dominating win. LB Akeem Ayers was just as impressive in wrestling the ball from Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano on an interception and batting a pass that led to McCarthy’s interception. It was easily the Titans’ best effort on defense of the season. Previous game's grade: C-
Special Teams: A
K Rob Bironas connected on all three of his field goal attempts, including a 53-yarder in the fourth quarter. Bironas also set a franchise record for consecutive PATs without a miss (230). P Brett Kern continued a strong season with a 52.0 yard average on four punts. KR Darius Reynaud had four punt returns for 56 yards and one kickoff return for 19 yards. Previous game's grade: F
Coaching: A+
Credit Munchak and his staff for remaining positive and instilling confidence in the team when it could have remained down following the Bears loss. Munchak fired up his players with an inspiring pre-game speech on Saturday night. On defense, the Titans were well-prepared for the Dolphins’ high-tempo attack. On offense, the staff didn’t ask Locker to do too much in his first game back in more than a month. Now, Munchak has six games left to try to salvage the season. Previous game's grade: D
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