Titans eager to prove their potential
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans used their open date for a little introspection and realized it’s time to start proving exactly who they are this season.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota said the Titans know they haven’t accomplished anything yet.
“We want to finish on top,” Mariota said. “We want to be in the playoffs. We want to do all those types of things. In order to do that, we’ll have to be better on third down as an offense, we’ll have to be better in the red zone as an offense. I think guys understand that, and looking back on it, guys did have some time to reflect, and I think going forward we should be better.”
The Titans (4-3) haven’t reached the playoffs since 2008, yet they are tied atop the AFC South division standings and will play their next two games at home as they try to build momentum. They went into their open date off backto-back wins.
The Ravens (4-4) visit today in their first trip to Nashville since 2011. The Ravens are coming off a 40-0 win over Miami — their second shutout this season — and hope to establish some consistency before their open date.
“It’s an important time of the year, for sure. November is kind of where seasons head in one direction or the other, usually,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh, whose franchise has an NFL-leading 28-11 record in November games since 2008. “We understand that, so we understand the importance of this time of year.”
After being listed on the injury report with a strained left hamstring the past two games, Mariota should be free to scramble out of the pocket if necessary today. Also off Tennessee’s injury report was starting running back DeMarco Murray, who fought through a hamstring injury before the Titans’ off week.
Murray and backup Derrick Henry are why Tennessee has averaged 124.6 yards rushing per game this season, and now the elusive Mariota is an option again.
“You know what a threat he can be if he’s got any space to run, if he can,” Titans coach Mike Mularkey said.
The playing status of tight end Delanie Walker (right ankle) will be a game-time decision. Tennessee’s leading receiver this year with 32 catches, he did not practice this past week until Friday.