Halfway thru the preseason with got a glimpse of the Titans defense against the Tampa. Overall, a good game by the defense. I minimize it some because I don't know what the Bucs were trying to accomplish on the offensive side. Tampa might be having good practice plays that they didn't want to show in a game. That being understood as a fan, I feel better that the 2012 Titans should be a better defensive team overall.

Consistent at being inconsistent was a tell tale sign of the 2011 Titans. There were games last year where they could be dominating. The home opener against the Ravens a dominating performance against a hated rival. Consistent with their inconsistent ways be dominated at Pittsburgh and Houston game here. Ten Touchdowns given up between the two games.

Since the Texans won the division last year, I consider them "king of the mountain". How did a franchise seemingly bound to underperform year after year finally win the division. Their improved defensive play was one part to their rise in the division. First, the division did get easier with number eighteen done for the year in Indianapolis and the mess of an organization in Jacksonville. Digging a little deeper improved play on the defensive side of the ball was a big key. Every football fan knows that third down is get off the field down. Here is were the Texans improved. In 2010 they ranked 22nd with in third down conversions. Last year they finished 12th in the league. Their improvement on third down allowed them to keep handing the ball over to their two headed running back monster. Be at ease with starting a third string quarterback who could manage the game.

The Titans finished 30th last year in terms of third down conversions. If you post during game you would see several comments of frustration when third down came and the defense failed to get off the field. Any imrpovement in this area will lead to more snaps for the offense with its new quarterback to get better. A chance for the running game to wear down the opponents defense. The division will still be in a state of change. The new kid in Indianapolis and new owner, same mess in Jacksonville. On paper, its already a two horse race for this division before the season starts. Winning the division is obtainable, it starts by winning on third down.