Key Takeaways from the Titans Victory Over the Seahawks

Written By Jack Loeb

The Titans pulled off a thrilling victory in the final moments of their Saturday night home game against the Seahawks. There are plenty of players who made a big impact and helped solidify their roster spot as the Titans are set to begin making cuts, let’s get into it.

To begin, Malik Willis was given the starting nod over Mason Rudolph. At times Malik looked the part of a second string backup. However, that was a bit too few and far between. Willis still is having issues getting the ball out on time and operating the offense in the manner in which Brian Callahan needs it to function. Whereas, Mason Rudolph, I believe, separated himself substantially from Malik Willis. He led the Titans to their only TD in the game. Rudolph hit NWI who refused to go down and muscled his way to a 16 yard TD catch.

It should be obvious to Titans fans and most importantly Brian Callahan that Rudolph is the QB2 going forward — not that he wasn’t before — but if there was any doubt it should be gone. Although Willis is still young if you needed a QB for a game or two I’m taking Rudolph over the third year QB from Liberty. To be fair, Malik didn’t play horribly, he was 12/16 for 116 yards and an interception that bounced off of Martin-Robertson and was subsequently picked off. However, none of his drives went for TD’s or deep in enemy territory. Whereas, for Mason Rudolph, he went 10/17 125 and he had the lone Titans TD to NWI. Rudolph also led the game-winning drive that allowed Brayden Narveson to hit the game-winning 46 yard FG.

In addition, Jha’Quan Jackson continues to impress. Jackson was able find success more so as a WR than as a returner against the Seahawks. He had 4 receptions for 57 yards. This comes off the heels of having a great camp thus far, and really presenting himself as a problem for Seattle during the joint practices this past week. It would be an utter surprise if Jha’Quan Jackson doesn’t make the team. At this point I don’t even think it’s a possibility. Jackson brings so much to the return game — he added a 14 yard PR — that his dual-threat nature makes him nearly indispensable when this team has struggled for years at finding either 1.) Competent returners who can field a ball and do so smartly or 2.) Returners who can make a difference with their athletic ability.

On the defensive side of the ball there were a few players who stood out. The first is Jaylen Harrell who had a strip sack and added another sack. The rookie out of Michigan had been having a quietly good camp so far. Harrell has a great chance to make the 53 man roster. The Titans need someone behind Landry and now suspension-free Arden Key. Rashad Weaver has yet to show anything of substance to justify a spot in front of Harrell on the depth chart. If Harrell continues to improve he could see himself playing adequate snaps during games on Sundays.

The second player who impressed is more of the same from last week, Chance Campbell. He had a solid day with 6 tackles. He didn’t necessarily do anything to stand out but he’s certainly solidifying himself as one of the ILB’s on the roster. Campbell also had a PBU which he should have taken for a pick-six early in the second quarter. Campbell may not be a superstar linebacker but he has the qualities that make for a solid ILB and there’s nothing wrong with that.

As for the rest of the defense things weren’t so great. Tre Avery gave up the Seahawks lone TD to (checks notes…) Easop Winston Jr. That’s certainly not ideal. Brownlee Jr. didn’t quite have the game that he had last week against the 49ers either. He gave up a few catches and was otherwise a non-factor. However, this is one game for the rookie and I’m already much higher on him than Tre Avery.

Special Teams was the star group against the Seahawks. Kearis Jackson had a nice return again but unfortunately got hurt and there was a called penalty on the play. As stated previously Jha’Quan Jackson had a 14 yard punt return and overall didn’t negatively impact the game on special teams. Now lets get to the elephant in the room, Brayden Narveson. The rookie UDFA Kicker from NC State was 3/3 for FG’s. He hit a 59 yarder, a 21 yarder, and finally a 46 yard FG to seal the win as time expired. During Coach Callahan’s post-game presser he insinuated that, “Nick Folk is still their kicker.” I’m not so sure about that. Nick Folk is currently 39 and will be 40 in November. Yes, Folk would still be owed $3.5m but I would be stunned if the Titans opt to go with Folk as a one year rental over a rookie kicker who may be the future of the position for 10+ years. I’m a firm believer that after QB your Kicker probably has the most important WAR (Wins-Above-Replacement) number. A kicker can easily make your team significantly better if they make the offenses job easier by nearing their opponents 40 yard line and being good from there. More times than not football games come down to a FG or less. The Titans should seriously consider Narveson replacing Folk on the 53 man roster if he continues to show that he can be trusted to hit FG’s at length.

The Titans will take on the New Orleans Saints next Sunday in the big easy. This will wrap up their preseason as they look to take their talent to Chicago for the week 1 opener. The season opener is creeping closer to becoming a reality. The final preseason game next week will be huge for so many future and former-Titans looking to be a part of a professional football organization.

Jack Loeb https://twitter.com/jakjack91
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