Ah yes, the Titans got beat again and well, it didn't look too great. In the first half, the Titans competed well enough but eventually it became clear how much better the Rams really were. The Rams were simply more talented at ninety percent of all positions on the field.
The Titans would have had to play a perfect game to have a chance, the Titans had a number of penalties, ten for sixty-two yards. Not as many yards lost on penalties as last week against the Broncos, but still a large volume of fouls that lengthened Rams' drives, and shortened Titans' drives. The Titans also had a costly fumble lost at the worst time in the second half. These errors as a team could be overcome in some games, but the talent gap was far too great in this contest in Nashville.
The Titans had a fun drive at the end of the second half when rookie QB Cam Ward and rookie WR Elic Ayomanor started going off together!
Ayomanor had several nice catches Sunday. Both skillful and pretty clutch. He had this one-hander off his helmet, shades of David Tyree!
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Then later on this same and crucial drive, Cam Ward and Elic Ayomanor score their first touchdown together. What a moment! Really good stuff by both players here. Absurd arm strength displayed by Ward. Maybe the #1 - #5 duo could be something special we shall see.
These connections weren't enough to overcome Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams who all played big roles in scoring 33 points. Ugh. The Titans offense really just looked comfortable.
I've accepted that this re-build might take awhile for the Titans. I watch these games with a different set of expectations for now. This is arguably unfortunate but I guess I want to be realistic here.
BUT looking at the schedule, this schedule doesn't appear glaringly difficult. I mean, when you're as bad as the Titans every game is challenging, but still it could be worse. The Colts look better than anticipated, but the Titans have a chance to really get back into the thick of things with a win next week. This is like the first game I'd love the Titans to win. It feels like seventy-five percent of all NFL divisional games are simply neck and neck no matter what. I think there's going to be a big battle next week. If the Titans can beat the Colts the fanbase will be on top of the world.
I'll save some more thoughts on how big next week feels in a few days. There's still fifteen games left! 0-2 is mildly different than 0-2 was in a sixteen game season.
But yeah, the Titans looked... as expected. They improved slightly which is something. No obvious signs of regression by any means which is decent.
On to next week!
Two more games as usual! Good times playing Madden 24 for sure.
