It’s been often said that winning is contagious.
Add the Tennessee Titans to the list of those who subscribe to that belief.
Led by the exploits of Chris Johnson and an opportunistic defense, the Titans won their second consecutive game as they defeated San Francisco 34-27.
After falling behind 17-10 at intermission, the Titans coasted to victory in the second half via CJ’s exciting scampers and a defense that, despite giving up 358 net yards, forced four 49er turnovers.
Additional thoughts about the Titans’ second consecutive victory…after the jump.
The defense steps up again
For the second straight week, Chuck Cecil’s troops played an integral role in a Tennessee Titan victory.
The pass-rush often made life miserable for 49er QB Alex Smith, who was sacked four times by the Titan defense. As mentioned in the beginning of this piece, the opportunistic Titan D forced four turnovers, including Cortland Finnegan’s dagger/INT touchdown return.
After playing miserably for the most part during the team’s six-game losing streak, the unit as a whole has played markedly better since the bye week.
Instead of being torched by opposing signal-callers as a result of depending on rookie corners, the return of Finny and the acquisition of Rod Hood has stabilized a Titan secondary that often resembled burnt toast during the 0-6 start.
Kudos to Chuck Cecil and the Titan defensive staff for hanging in there despite the morbid beginning to the ‘09 season.
Just Manage, Vince!
For the second consecutive week, Vince Young’s efficient play contributed to a Titan victory.
Once again, VY looked extremely comfortable out there. He completed timely passes with his arm while also scoring a touchdown with his vaunted legs.
However, his most important statistic wasn’t the amount of yards he threw for or his touchdown scamper: it was his goose-egg in the turnover department.
While he hasn’t set the world on fire with his statistics, even Stevie Wonder can see that VY’s presence has served as a spark for a Titan team that at 0-6, was in desperate need of one. He’s sustaining drives by completing most of his passes while also giving opposing defenses something extra to prepare for due to his running ability.
After all of the drama he’s been through over the last year or so, it’s nice to see VY performing well when his number is called.
Final random thoughts
-No offense to Nick Harper, but Rod Hood deserves to start alongside Finny at the CB position for the remainder of the season. With two interceptions in two weeks, Hood has been a solid mid-season pickup.
-Speaking of Finny, it’s a joy to see him healthy again. His tenacity and playmaking abilities were surely missed when he was out with a bum hammy.
-CJ’s speed is a sight to behold. It’s amazing that despite opposing defenders having the angle, Johnson is still able to out-run them for the most part.
He’s got serious jets, folks.
-Nice performance by Justin Gage today, who reeled in 4 catches for 97 yards. He really climbed the ladder on a completion that helped set up the Titans in the redzone on one possession.
-Memo to “The Freak” and Kyle Vanden Bosch: Thanks for the memories, but clearly, the team’s present and future at the DE position is in the hands of William Hayes and Jacob Ford.
The Hayes/Ford duo should be a joy to watch for the remainder of this year and beyond. As for KVB and Kearse, there’s probably a good chance that neither will be around after 2009.
That’s enough from me: What are your thoughts regarding the Titans’ victory over the Niners?
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Didn’t get to watch it, but I want to simply add that it is SO much better with Vince in there. The reins aren’t off him, but once he proves able to run the offense, imagining two playmakers in that backfield is awesome!
What happened to Britt and Cook this week, btw?
Glad to see I’m not the only one who wonders whether KVB should be brought back. There’s a difference between spinning your wheels (having a non-stop motor) and making plays.
Go Titans! Go Vince! Beat the Bills!
The Titans played well in an away game on the west coast against a good team…CJ had 135 yards against a stout run D. Teams are going to keep scheming and reacting on CJ, so that should just open up more and more play action for VY. There were a couple of play action passes for good pickups in the game.
Offense: VY played well…no INTs and he hit a couple of big passes. I hate how some people were complaining how VY “lofted” that deep throw to Gage in the second half…it was just like the throws Kurt Warner would toss to Fitzgerald to go up and catch. Gage made a nice play on that throw…but there were a couple of passes that he and VY weren’t on the same page, so I would like to see Britt/Cook more. I think they are more athletic and have bigger play-making capability but they don’t get that many plays each game. It’s kinda sad…CJ was a little off today, he only averaged 5.4ypc and had 2 TDs (sarcasm in that last sentence).
Defense: Cecil is getting better at play calling…there were a couple of blitzes or non-blitzes that I questioned but the coverage is much better with Fuller and Finnegan back. Rod Hood has played really well…as for the vets Harper, KVB, Kearse…sorry guys, but there are better players on the team.
A nice win, especially on the west coast where there haven’t been many in recent years. We were lucky to get those picks, two on tips – they were the difference in the game. Without them, the 49ers probably win.
The defence still concerns me. The Titans gave up a lot of yards today – particularly through the air. And Gore had a pretty good yards per run average. The defence still needs to play better if the Titans are going start to resemble last year’s team.
I am also glad to see VY play well. I am one of those who had written him off, and didn’t think he was mentally tough enough to lead the team. But he has been doing the things that he needs to do to lead this team to victories. He is protecting the ball and not making the bad throws that he was making in his sophmore season. He is also using hi legs well and his throws have has improved.
Lastly, it doesn’t need to be said, but CJ is a difference maker on offence. He gives the Titans a chance to score everytime he gets the ball in his hands. You can accept the 4 or 5 yard losses on runs every once in a while knowing that he is just as likely to break it for a touchdown on the next play.
Add McRath to the list of young players who may be taking someone’s job sooner then expected. While he looked like a rookie at times, especially in pass coverage, he was flying around the field.
I didn’t see much of Britt and Cook either, but I’m sure that they will get their share of reps as the season progresses.
McRath is a guy I’ve like since the preseason. He’s got speed and has a nose for the football. The future looks bright for this kid.
As always, thanks for commenting guys.