Tennessee Titans

Three Takeaways From Week Three

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sunday’s Titans loss against the Raiders was a tough one to swallow and there are some things to take away from it (good and bad).

The Titans offense is not good

Through three weeks, the Titans have put up point totals of 16, 16, and 10. They’ve lost three fumbles and thrown four interceptions while only throwing for four touchdowns. They rank 20th in total offense yards per game. They rank 23rd in plays run from scrimmage. And they are tied for last in both points scored and points scored per game.

Marcus Mariota hasn’t taken the step that many believed he would take this year. He doesn’t seem comfortable executing this offense, and he’s forcing too many balls. He thinks he’s trying to do too much. The problem is that he’s had to do too much because his receivers don’t win their individual matchups and get open. The offensive play calls have also been very questionable. I don’t particularly know how ti fix the offense, but simplifying the play calls and running more uptempo would be a good start.

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The Titans defense is actually not bad

I really didn’t think it would be possible, but the defense has been good. Dick Lebeau has done a great job with the talent he’s been given. They’ve given up the eight-fewest points per game and 11th-fewest yards per game. They’ve been penalized a good amount and their third down stop percentage could be better, but they’ve done a fantastic job of limiting opponents.

The Lions and Raiders came into weeks two and three hot and the Titans stifled both offenses, allowing just 15 and 17 points, respectively. The defensive line is getting a lot of pressure and the front seven has neutralized running games. I’ve been more than impressed with how the defensive unit has performed, and I just hope that the offense can get it together so the defense can be even better.

This coaching staff is not the answer

Take into account the offensive numbers that I mentioned above, and it’s pretty clear that Mike Mularkey and Terry Robiskie are not what this team needs. Robiskie has been nothing short of horrendous as offensive coordinator, calling complex plays that don’t fool the defense and just cause chaos for our own players. Not to mention the call at the end of Sunday’s game, cutting the field in half, limiting Mariota’s vision/options and targeting Harry Douglas of all people. I’ve seen enough of Robiskie to formulate an opinion.

I’ve also seen enough of Mularkey. This team isn’t disciplined and they shoot themselves in the foot more often than not. Some of that can be atrributed to the players, but the coach is supposed to instill calm and intelligence into his players. Mularkey also hired Robiskie to run this gimmick offense that has been terrible. Mularkey is living in 1950 and has shown no inclination to adapt. Just watch the Philadelphia Eagles and the way they have tailored their offense to maximize Carson Wentz’s strengths. That is what a smart, capable coaching staff does. The Titans staff is not that.

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