NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Six things standing out for the Titans after Sunday's loss to the Chargers, and heading into the bye week.
The Titans return to action on Nov. 5 In a Monday Night Football game at Dallas.
Vrabel's Guts
Mike Vrabel's aggressive style of coaching has been noted in this space repeatedly this season. So I was surprised so many were surprised the Titans head coach went for two – and the win – on Sunday. It didn't work, of course, so he's being criticized. Personally, I understand the backlash of the actual play call more than the decision to go for it. Let's face it – the play didn't come close to working. But I have a hunch some of the same folks ripping Vrabel for the decision to go for two would have been even louder had the Titans kicked the extra point, and then lost without touching the ball in OT.
The Running Game
On too many Sundays, the Titans have been less than spectacular running the football. With the tandem of Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis, I know I expected the team to be better than 17th overall in rushing offense about now. But Sunday's game vs. the Chargers provided a reason to be optimistic moving forward. Dion Lewis ran for 91 yards on just 13 carries, showing his elusiveness all game long. It was part of a 164-yard rushing day for the Titans, who got 33 yards and a touchdown out of Derrick Henry, and 38 more yards from Marcus Mariota.
Tajae Sharpe
The Titans are going to need more consistency from the receiving corps in the second half of the season. Through seven games, there have been too many drops and too many stretches with little productivity from key players. But on Sunday, I really liked what I saw from receiver Tajae Sharpe. Against the Chargers, Sharpe had seven catches for 101 yards, and he came up big time and again on third down. It should earn him more opportunities moving forward.
Blown Coverages
The Titans played well enough to win on defense against the Chargers, holding them to just 14 first downs. Take out the 55-yard completion and the 75-yard completion and the Titans held the Chargers to just 214 yards of offense on 42 plays. Only that's the problem – you can't remove those plays from the equation. So the Titans really gave up 344 yards, including the long TD catches. What the Titans have to do moving forward is keep from getting beat by deep balls, and blown coverages.
Darius Jennings
Return man Darius Jennings continues to do a really nice job on kickoff returns. How nice? Well, the Titans are ranked No.1 in the NFL in kickoff return average. Sure, special teams coach Craig Aukerman and the blockers deserve credit as well. But Jennings has earned some props, because he's done a really nice job of being aggressive, and hitting it. Jennings, of course, returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown in the opener, and on Sunday he averaged 31.2 yard on five returns, giving the Titans good field position all game.
Division Wide Open
The Titans have hurt themselves in the race for a Wild Card spot. With losses to the Dolphins, Ravens and Chargers, they're in trouble when it comes to potential tiebreakers. But whose goal is to make the playoffs as a Wild Card anyway? The Titans entered the season with plans to win the AFC South, and the possibility is very much alive. The Texans (4-3) are one game ahead of the Titans (3-4) and Jaguars (3-4) in the division, with the Colts (2-5) bringing up the rear. The Titans are currently 2-0 in the division as well. The Titans control their own destiny. Now, the Titans need to quit letting opportunities escape their grasp and start winning games.
The Tennessee Titans take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 7 of the 2018 season on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 at Wembley Stadium in London. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hands off to running back Derrick Henry (22), left, during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13), top left, is tackled during the first half of an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) is tackled by Tennessee Titans strong safety Kendrick Lewis (28) during the first half of an NFL football game at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) escapes the challenge of Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Chris Landrum (46) during the first half of an NFL football game at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) is tackled during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84), right, is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) during the first half of an NFL football game at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans running back Dion Lewis (33) runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn, center, shouts out during the first half of an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs through to score a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is greeted by Tennessee Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) as he walks from the pitch after an NFL football game at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Los Angeles Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8), left, runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) passes the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22), top center, celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel stands on the touchline during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) fails to catch the ball in the end zone as Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) challenges during the second half of an NFL football game at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) is sacked during the second half of an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84), right, is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) during the first half of an NFL football game at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Brynden Trawick (41), third right, sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30), right, runs with the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans tight end Luke Stocker (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8), center, goes over for a touchdown which was later disallowed during the second half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17), center, joins other players in prayer after an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Los Angeles Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) is tackled during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) is tackled by Tennessee Titans strong safety Kendrick Lewis (28) during the first half of an NFL football game at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans tight end Luke Stocker (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) smiles as he walks from the pitch after an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Los Angeles Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) fails to gather the ball during a two-point conversion attempt during the second half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Los Angeles Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) smiles as he walks from the pitch after an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Los Angeles Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel stands on the touchline during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30), right, is tackled by Tennessee Titans strong safety Kendrick Lewis (28) during the second half of an NFL football game at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8), left, hands off Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Jatavis Brown (57) as he runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8), center, goes over for a touchdown which was later disallowed during the second half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84), right, is tackled by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Casey Hayward (26) during the first half of an NFL football game at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8), left, runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans tight end Luke Stocker (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Cheerleaders line up before an NFL football game between Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8), left, runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16), left, lies on the pitch after failing to catch the ball in the end zone during the second half of an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17), right, gestures as he prepares to join other players and coaches in prayer after an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Los Angeles Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel gestures during a press conference after an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) pauses during a press conference after an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel pauses during a press conference after an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) wipes his face during a press conference after an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel during a press conference after an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) gestures during a press conference after an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) pauses during a press conference after an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) gestures during a press conference after an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel gestures during a press conference after an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. Chargers won the match 20-19. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn, center, shouts out during the first half of an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) blocks a pass intended for Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) during the first half of an NFL football game at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13), top left, is tackled during the first half of an NFL football game against Tennessee Titans at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Tennessee Titans tight end Luke Stocker (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against Los Angeles Chargers at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
