There was to be no repeat.
The last time the Titans won a season opener was in 2020, away in Denver. It was almost serendipitous. Until it was not.
For me Sunday was very much like one of those days you have every once in a while, that has you questioning your life choices because absolutely nothing is going your way.
I know we are in the process of a rebuild after the last few less than adequate seasons, with the hopes of the entire state of Tennessee resting on the shoulders of the number one draft pick, quarterback Cam Ward.
When you look at the statistics he did not have a good game. However, watching it you could see the talent that he has.
Despite being sacked six times by the Denver defense – with a completion rating of 12 out of 28 passes – he still had the third highest on-target throw percentage (87%) of all quarterbacks in Week 1, with a minimum of 10 drop backs (per SIS).
He also demonstrated his speed, something that I think we should try to utilise where we can even though he is primarily a pocket player.
Failing to take advantage
I believe our biggest failing on Sunday was our inability to capitalise on the opportunities presented to us. If utilised, it would have created a very different outcome.
There were four giveaways by Denver. Yes, four! One turnover, two interceptions and a muffed punt.
The Titans managed to score a measly nine points from these instead of the full 28 that it could have been. That is not even factoring in if they fancied going for a two-point conversion on any of these either.
Head coach Brian Callahan also fell short in his duties, failing to challenge an incomplete catch call when wide receiver Elic Ayomanor’s elbow was clearly down in the field of play.
If challenged successfully – and it would have been – it would have given the Titans valuable yardage and additional possession time.
The second half was not any better than the first, riddled with drops and incomplete catches.
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley in particular was not having a good game, failing to catch the ball almost as much as he succeeded.
Add to this zero touchdowns and a total of 133 yards on offense while giving up 131 yards in penalties, and it is hard to find any positives from Sunday.
The bright sparks
But positives there were! Left guard Peter Skoronski was the fifth-best graded pass blocker among all offensive linemen in Week 1. He did not allow a single pressure against the Broncos.
Chimere Dike’s long return of 71 yards at the end of the half got us excited for all of five seconds before it came to a screeching halt, yet it showed what we can be.
Unfortunately, the rest of the game was not that dissimilar to the crushing disappointment you feel when you make a cup of tea and realise the milk has gone off… after you drank some of it.
The Titans’ next game is at home, the first of the season. They welcome the LA Rams so will need to sort out these issues now if they are going to have any hope of recovering from the loss.
