In the season opener for both teams, the Tennessee Titans looked to be in mid-season form throughout the game versus the Kansas City Chiefs. There were a lot of questions surrounding the Titans this year. With no Chris Johnson, would they be able to run the ball? Would Jake Locker be able to stay healthy and take command of the offense? The rebuilt offensive line that the Titans spent millions of dollars and a first round draft pick on needed to play better. Ken Whisenhunt is in his first season with the Titans as well. All questions were answered with authority on Sunday.
The Titans outmatched the Chiefs in almost every aspect of the game. Jake Locker came out and had a good showing for his first game since being injured last year. Locker finished the game completing 22 of 33 passes for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also is credited with 6 rushes for 14 yards. Shonn Greene ran 15 times for 71 yards looking good, but not great. The defense was outstanding today allowing only 67 yards rushing to the Chiefs as a team, 202 yards passing, and sacking Alex Smith 4 times.
The Chiefs opened the season at home and had a very disappointing performance. Smith did manage to throw for 202 yards, but faced a lot of pressure all day and had no help from his running game. Jamaal Charles only had 7 carries for 19 yards for the entire game. He caught 4 passes for 15 yards as well, but he was shut down after the catch. The Chiefs defense looked lost in space on a lot of plays and could not come up big when it counted. The Chiefs were also a dismal 1-12 on 3rd down, while the Titans converted 7-16. It was a tough day for Chiefs fans, who can only hope things get better in a hurry.
Are the Titans finally back to being a playoff team? It may only be the first game of the season but it looks like this team is much better as a whole. Much more football needs to be played to truly determine that but for right now Tennessee looks like a potential force to be reckoned with.
The Tennessee Titans (1-0) have their home opener next week against the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys are facing the San Francisco 49ers later on Sunday.
The Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) will be on the road next week with a tough game against a fellow AFC West team in the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos play on Sunday Night Football against the Indianapolis Colts.