Scouting the Titans ahead of Steelers’ third preseason game
Entering the third week of the 2018 NFL preseason, the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers have had different results. The Titans head to Heinz Field on Saturday with losses to both the Green Bay Packers (17-31) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (30-14), while Pittsburgh is 1-1 after beating the Philadelphia Eagles and slipping to the Packers.
While the preseason record doesn’t count, the third game of this period ahead of the NFL regular season is typically less of a try-out exhibition as teams begin to focus more on solidifying their positional groups and potential 53-man rosters. In this scouting report, we’ll look at the Titans’ most recent performances and provide analysis on things to look for when they face Pittsburgh this weekend.
Mariota and Gabbert
The last time the Titans met the Steelers was on November 16, 2017, in a disastrous game for quarterback Marcus Mariota. Tennessee had spent the previous three weeks dismantling AFC North teams in tough battles (including needing overtime to beat the winless Cleveland Browns).
Against the Bengals, Mariota scrambled during the game-winning drive and appeared concussed when he finally got to his feet despite post-game reports that his non-throwing shoulder was the only injury. The only team left was Pittsburgh; the game that introduced the infamous “SkyCam”. Mariota looked like he may still be a bit out of it, tossing four interceptions and casting errant passes around the field.
Mariota finished the game with 22 completions (33 attempts) for 306 yards, one touchdown to four interceptions and five sacks for a loss of 42 yards. His final QB rating was 66.7.
This preseason, Mariota has played just three total series. Against Green Bay, Mariota was able to march his offense down the field on the opening series and it took 12 plays to get the same result against Tampa Bay.
While he has still had some miscommunication with his receivers, Mariota has looked more comfortable than 2017. Mariota completed four of seven passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in two series over the Bucs; his preseason totals equaling six completions in ten passing attempts, 122 passing yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. He’ll be looking to shake off what haunted him in his meeting with Pittsburgh last season.
Behind Mariota, Blaine Gabbert has been a mixed bag. His best drive was a seven-play, 75-yard drive for a touchdown to begin the second half against Tampa Bay. In five drives, Gabbert was inconsistent and the Titans were forced to punt (four times) and watched the Buccaneers grab a fumble on the final drive Gabbert quarterbacked.
Titans players to watch
Jayon Brown (LB) – In his second year, Brown has been solid during training camp and it has translated during the first two preseason games. Against the Packers, Brown grabbed an interception. Against the Bucs, Brown recorded a team-high seven tackles, tipped one pass, was solid in coverage, quick to the play and earned one sack.
Taywan Taylor (WR) – Also in his second year, the speedy receiver (who ran an unofficial 4.39 40-yard dash at Western Kentucky) was the catalyst to jumpstarting the Titans offense in the second series against the Bucs. On a quick screen pass from Mariota, Taylor flew for 47 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter. He then contributed three additional receptions for 48 yards, including a 29-yarder.
Taylor finished the game with 95 receiving yards and two touchdowns. With his ability to take the top off of defenses, Taylor showed he can also be a quick-hit receiver that makes plays happen in traffic.
Dion Lewis and Derrick Henry (RBs) – Thus far in the preseason, head coach Mike Vrabel has tried to find the right balance for both Lewis and Henry in the offensive backfield. Henry has carried the ball six times for 18 yards and added one reception for seven.
Lewis has three carries for nine yards and two receptions for 26. Lewis showed quick-burst ability against the Bucs and this duo could go off against a Steelers defense that struggled the past two games.
Sharif Finch (Edge) – Finch has shown a nice arsenal of pressures and pass rush moves over the last two preseason games. He dominated Byron Bell (Packers) and Brad Seaton (Buccaneers) in back-to-back weeks, showing he’s a serious contender to make the final 53-man roster.
Taywan Taylor showed why many people think he could be a breakout candidate in 2018 last night. pic.twitter.com/cLhZMTxJWR
— PFF (@PFF) August 19, 2018
Injuries
The list of injured players for the Titans is a fairly long one. On defense, Kendrick Lewis (S), Steven Terrell (S), Brian Orakpo (LB), Rashaan Evans (LB), Adoree’ Jackson (CB), and Malcolm Butler (CB) remain potential no-plays for the third preseason game.
On offense, Delanie Walker (TE), Michael Campanaro (WR), Deontay Burnett (WR), Josh Kline (OL), Corey Levin (OL) did not practice on Monday and are working back to full health. Right tackle Jack Conklin remains on the Titan’s PUP list.
Linebacker Wesley Woodyard and defensive lineman David King were back to practice on Monday as was rookie safety Dane Cruikshank, who has not seen time on the practice field since injuring a shoulder in the Titans’ preseason opener against the Packers.
Transactions
Despite Brandon Chubb’s top Titans PFF grade for the second week of preseason, Tennessee waived him and Davond Dade as well as offensive lineman Matthew Diaz on Monday.
The team agreed to terms with linebackers Nyles Morgan (2018 UDFA – Chicago Bears – Notre Dame), Deontae Skinner and Jeff Knox (Saskatchewan Riders in 2017).
