Winners and Losers from the Titans preseason win over the Falcons
Donald Page/Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans picked up an ugly 23-20 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Friday.
Most of this game was awful. There were some exciting moments, but it was pretty bad football for 60 minutes. That said, there are still more winners than losers for the Titans.
Written by Dharya Sharma
Founder/Owner of SharmSports. NFL contributor at The Sporting News
Winner: Linebacker Cedric Gray
Gray was all over the field in Atlanta. The young linebacker tallied a team-high seven tackles and also had half of a sack while blowing up a poor Falcons running back in the process.
The 22-year-old also had an interception that was called back due to a penalty, and made plenty of stops in the run game.
Gray seems to still be in the starting linebacker competition and definitely raised his stock. He at least locked up a roster spot with his performance on Friday versus the Falcons.
Winner: Tight End Gunnar Helm
Helm showcased why he could be the Titans’ TE1 by the end of the season. The Texas product hauled in all four of his targets for 48 yards and a touchdown, where he caught the ball over two Atlanta defenders in the end zone.
Every young quarterback needs a security blanket. Helm could be that for Cam Ward, and the Texas product has the potential to be the long-term answer at tight end for Tennessee.
Loser: Wide receiver Van Jefferson
Before you clicked on this article, you knew Van Jefferson was going to be one of the losers.
The veteran wide receiver dropped a perfect pass from Ward on a key 2nd and long on the Titans’ opening drive, and didn’t tally a single catch on two targets.
With James Proche continuing to impress, and Bryce Oliver providing more on special teams than Jefferson, there’s a chance the Tennessee native could be fighting for a roster spot. Brian Callahan and Mike Borgonzi will probably keep him, but Jefferson has been really really really bad.
Loser: Titans special teams
Does anyone have the count of how many penalties the Titans committed on kick return? It was actually egregious. Also, is Johnny Hekker washed??? The former All-Pro punter did have a nice 53-yard punt in the first quarter, but most of his punts have lacked distance and just overall juice in the preseason so far.
There was also a fumbled kickoff by TJ Sheffield, which led to a Falcons field goal. And why is Jha’Quan Jackson returning punts still? Joey Slye also missed an extra point. I almost forgot about that lol.
To recap all that: The Titans’ special teams were incredibly underwhelming. The unit might just be cursed.
Winner: Wide receiver James Proche II
James Proche may force this team to keep seven receivers. The savvy veteran posted three catches for 35 yards and made some nice grabs in traffic.
With Jefferson consistently being awful and Xavier Restrepo not getting many looks, Proche could be working his way to a roster spot. The 28-year-old has been the surprise of training camp.
Winners: Titans running backs
The Titans rushed for 118 yards against the Falcons’ defense. Jordan Mims provided a ton of juice, leading the team with 50 rushing yards on 4.2 yards per carry. Jemar Jefferson found the end zone, while Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings were solid once again.
With Spears out, it’s nice to see the depth running backs step up.
Other Winners: Elic Ayomanor, Brandon Allen (outside of the INT), Kendell Brooks (nice pick six)
Other losers: Amani Oruwariye (had some moments, but gave up an explosive TD), Chimere Dike (no catches on two targets)