Yesterday's win might not have been the most inspiring, but it was a great chance for the Titans to snap a nearly month-long trend of terrible performances. After getting waxed by the Texans and Steelers, the Titans took advantage of one of the worst teams in the NFL at home. Javon Ringer was able to get the running game out of the sewer and at least into a cozy gutter, and the defense was harassing Painter and the Colts WRs all day long.
After the game Ringer continued to assert that Chris Johnson is the no. 1 running back, but he'll take full advantage of every chance he gets. I honestly believe that Ringer's increased workload was an intentional and deliberate move on the part of Munchak and Palmer to help the offense, and send a message to Johnson. Honestly, it's a few weeks later than it needed to be, but it's definitely in time to help get this offense on track for a playoff run. As I mentioned on MCM Radio, if Ringer can get the rushing attack to even a subpar state, we'll have a lot more success than we're having with an epically horrible performance so far.
Paul K looks at the broken run game, and how CJ's struggles compare to those of Matt Hasselbeck's former teammate, Shaun Alexander.
Patrick Bailey gave the Titans a huge boost by blocking a punt that was recovered for a touchdown. Who blew the blocking assignment that made that play possible? The guy who is on track to be Bill Polian's most spectacular first round bust, Jerry Hughes.
Boclair points out that the Titans scored all 27 points yesterday thanks to turnovers.
Cortland Finnegan had an ice bag on his hand after yesterday's game, but downplayed the injury.
Here's this week's Audibles at the Line.
Well played, Tully.
Speaking of former Titans, Pacman Jones is hopeful that he'll be healthy enough to start next Sunday when the Bengals come to Nashville. Pac missed time earlier this year while still recovering from the neck injury that ended his season last year, but he hurt his hamstring returning a punt yesterday. Regardless of where Pac is on Sunday, he'll still be an asshole.
Here's this week's MMQB.
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