AFC South power rankings: Jacksonville Jaguars losing ground
0-1. . Tennessee Titans. 3. team. 35.
This Jacksonville Jaguars division foe was also embarrassed in Week 1.
The Tennesse Titans were set to pick up where they left off last season. They focused on making upgrades to their defense in the offseason. Also, they kept most of their offense intact. Sure, they lost tight end Jonnu Smith in free agency but Anthony Firkser, who showed promise last season, took his spot in the lineup. Who would have imagined that an offense led by quarterback Ryan Tannehill, running back Derrick Henry, and All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones were able to score just 13 points against the Arizona Cardinals Week 1?
Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones put a clown suit on offensive tackle Taylor Lewan and sacked Tannehill five times. The Titans quarterback constantly faced pressure and went 21-of-35 for 212 yards with one touchdown and one interception. After the game, Lewan acknowledged that he was vastly overmatched and thanked Jones for “exposing him” after the game.
Jones, who joined the Titans in the offseason, was a non-factor, hauling in just three receptions for 29 yards. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray torched Tennesse’s secondary for five touchdowns (four passing and one rushing).
If the Titans want to earn the division crown in back-to-back years, they will need to get their offense going. Of course the Jaguars wouldn’t mind if they keep struggling to move the ball. Tennessee will face off against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Coincidentally, the Hawk beat the next team in this ranking last week.