Losing 57-14 cannot be spun. Blowout losses whether they come in high school, college or professional football are no fun, and losses like Sunday’s ask serious questions about the loser. However, unlike in previous seasons, the 2017 Tennessee Titans appear to have the pieces in place to handle a defeat like this and still challenge for a divisional crown. Yes, an injury to Marcus Mariota is unfortunate and poorly timed, but unlike last year’s game versus Jacksonville in Week 16, Sunday’s loss is not back-breaking. The Titans franchise QB is day-to-day and should be ready soon; meanwhile, the Two Tone Blue may have fallen to (1-1) in the division, yet all of their goals are still attainable.
Moving on from Houston, Tennessee has a chance to get on the right side of the scoresheet this week. Tennessee has not been beaten this badly on the road since 2009, when Tennessee fell to the Patriots 59-0. After being humbled in Foxboro, the ’09 Titans won eight of their final 10 games. That is the goal for this Titans team – to flush the disappointment and regroup for a strong season. Tennessee entered last year’s contest against Miami sitting at (1-3) before winning at Hard Rock Stadium and finishing fast in a (9-7) season. Winning this week would be a solid launchpad before a pivotal Monday night game next week against the Indianapolis Colts.
On the other sideline, Miami is also a team that needs to regroup. Due to no fault of their own, the Dolphins have travelled all over the place through four weeks. Miami’s week one game against Tampa Bay was cancelled due to Hurricane Irma, before the Dolphins visited L.A., New York and London. This is the perfect time for Adam Gase’s club to have their home opener in Miami and the Titans will need the come out focused and execute well to secure the victory.
Last season, after losing 30-17 to the Titans, the Dolphins reeled off nine wins in 10 games to make the playoffs. That Dolphins team still had Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, but veteran Jay Cutler is an experienced and talented signal-caller. Gase, Cutler and an impressive group of wideouts led by Jarvis Landry will definitely be looking to air it out after being shut out a week ago.
The Titans certainly missed an opportunity a week ago to start (3-1) and take a formidable lead in the AFC South. The Titans did not seize control of the division a week ago, but the opportunity to build positive momentum is available again on Sunday. Going on the road and winning in the National Football League is never easy, but if the Titans can travel to South Florida and come out victorious they will be set up for a big stretch of the season.
Tune to 104.5 the Zone all week for Titans coverage and listen on Sunday starting at 11 as the Titans Countdown crew gets you ready for all the action.
