NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two weeks into the season, Tennessee's offense has netted 607 passing yards and 117 rushing yards.
The Titans, who in recent history usually held a run-first philosophy, have gained 27 first downs by passing and four first downs by running. The disparity prompted the question this week on whether the team was shifting its approach.
The unanimous answer is that players don't care about being thought of as a "running team" or a "passing team" as long as they establish the Titans as a team that is willing and capable of doing what it takes to move the ball downfield and win games.
Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has completed 51 of 76 passes (67.1 percent) for 621 yards, three touchdowns and a passer rating of 94.2.
"It makes no difference to me," said Hasselbeck, who completed 30 of 42 passes for 358 yards in a 26-13 win against the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday at LP Field. "I just want to be a winning team."
Hasselbeck and offensive coordinator Chris Palmer said Tennessee's offense will respond to opposing defenses and go with what works. Palmer said some defensive coordinators design schemes that shut down rushing yards, but he likes the 13-year NFL veteran QB's abilities to help win the "chess match."
Chris Johnson, who missed the preseason because of a contract holdout, has rushed 33 times for 77 yards, and Javon Ringer has rushed five times for 21 yards. Ringer missed the Titans' final three preseason games and season opener with a hip injury. He caught two passes for 30 yards in his return and scored the Titans' only rushing touchdown of the season, a 10-yard run on fourth-and-1 last week against Baltimore.
"We're definitely a balanced offense," Ringer said. "We want to run the ball and throw it. As the game's going on, whatever we need to do to continue to win, that's what we're going to do."
Left tackle Michael Roos said the offensive line doesn't have an assignment preference this Sunday when the Titans (1-1) host the Denver Broncos (1-1) at LP Field.
"You ask anyone in here, it's what it takes to win," Roos said. "If we're pass blocking well and not giving up sacks, and it takes 45 passes, then lets pass 45 times. As long as we're winning games, that's all that matters."
PASSING OPTIONS: Hasselbeck has completed passes to 11 different targets. Kenny Britt has 14 catches for 271 yards and three touchdowns, and Nate Washington has 13 catches for 166 yards. Hasselbeck said defenses will have to make tough choices in trying to cover Britt and Washington.
"Nate doesn't get talked about as much as Kenny but he's very polished," Hasselbeck said. "He knows what's going on, he's savvy. He's had a few catches. I think he could have more. He's going to be a big part of what we're doing even when Kenny is on the field.
"We're doing what we do based on what (defenses) do. If they want to leave (Britt) by himself, then we're probably going to look over there. If they want to have two guys over there, then we're going run the concept that we're running on the other side. They dictate who gets the ball more than I do."
LACK OF RHYTHM: Broncos QB Kyle Orton completed 35 of 50 passes for 341 yards last season in a come-from-behind win against the Titans.
Tennessee defensive lineman Jason Jones said it will be important for the front four defensive players to get to Orton with pressure while the Titans' secondary disrupts the timing and routes of Broncos receivers.
Jones said losing to the Broncos, who scored 10 points in the final two minutes to win 26-20 last year, needs to be erased this Sunday.
New Titans coach Mike Munchak, who coached the offensive line last season, said he mentioned the loss to players earlier this week to emphasize the need to focus and finish off an opponent.
"It was a really tough loss for us last year, Munchak said. "We know they are comfortable coming in here and playing at our place…they should, they won last year here. I'm big on history and knowing what happened and letting some of these guys who weren't here for that. I mentioned it, we won't dwell on it, but we talked about it."
