Chiefs backups beat Titans backups 30-6

Chiefs backups beat Titans backups 30-6

Coach Mike Mularkey had previously stated that he would play the starting offense for a series or two. He did not. He stated that he wanted them to prepare for the game and be ready. The starters had a bit of a workout before the game and now look forward to the Raiders game.

The Titans must have their roster trimmed to 53 players by Saturday at 3 p.m.

The Titans offensive line for all but the final few minutes was: Dennis Kelly, Josue Matias, Tim Lelito, Corey Levin, and Tyler Marz.

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Dennis Kelly allowed a sack to make him a perfect 4 for 4 on the preseason. Josh Kline did not play so he finished a perfect 3 for 3 allowing a sack in each game also.

Josh Carraway and Kevin Dodd played most of the game. Carraway was impressive again. Dodd was never in coverage or dropping back like a linebacker does. He was either a stand-up or “hand in the dirt” lineman. Each of these two were college defensive ends asked to convert to outside linebacker. It seems apparent Carraway is eons ahead of Dodd in this conversion.

Denzel Johnson played most of the game. Denzel was all over the field. He made several good plays and showed his top speed. On two occasions the middle and outside receiver beat their man. Johnson chose the middle both times and the ball went to the outside receiver for a touchdown. This is on him to a degree, but the cornerbacks that let their wide receivers get past them take the bulk of the blame here. Johnson has established himself as the only outfielder the Titans have. They need him to make the roster.

DaNorris Searcy played free safety some in the beginning and he got burned. He was out of position or not fast enough to make a play.

Brice McCain did not have a good night, neither did Kalan Reed. Each was regularly beaten by their receivers. D’Joun Smith and Tye Smith presented an odd scenario where I wasn’t sure which Smith wasn’t covering well, as they both struggled.

The Chiefs offense wasn’t all that difficult to defend. They ran a few plays then went deep. That was about it the whole game. There were a few throws to the tight end and a couple screens, but all-in-all it was run it and throw the ball deep.

Adoree Jackson intercepted a pass on the sideline. On the replay, it looked like a fine interception. It was ruled that part of his body was out of bounds. Jayon Brown intercepted a pass and that was ruled incomplete as the ball moved a smidge when it hit the field. I didn’t agree with either call.

Chiefs receiver DaMarcus Robinson was outstanding. He kept beating the Titans deep and even had a nice return too. The wideout was selected one pick before Tyreek Hill a year ago. The announcers seemed to indicate he could be waived. I’m not sure at which player’s expense, but the Titans almost “have to” be interested. He had an excellent game.

On one fourth quarter series, DeAngelo Brown beat a double team to stop the running back behind the line of scrimmage. Then he stuffed the running back at the line of scrimmage. On the third play, the Titans used an unusual alignment with Antwaun Woods at nose tackle and Brown at defensive end. Brown sacked the quarterback on third down. That was a fantastic series by Brown.

Angelo Blackson came in very late. This makes his roster spot seem tentative.

Woods was the stopper during this game. On four occasions, I noted the Chiefs ran well up the middle so the Titans put Woods in the game. He stopped them every time.

Tyler Ferguson saw his first lengthy preseason action and he looked alright.

Alex Tanney struggled and has probably played his last game for the Titans.

Darius Jennings was in early and stayed in for much of the rest of the game.

Jonathan Krause had a nice catch.

Kevin Mabon couldn’t handle one very difficult catch. On one run play, I noticed him hit his cornerback and then go after a linebacker. That displayed excellent effort by the rookie hopeful.

Jonnu Smith played a bunch and made an excellent sideline catch.

Taywan Taylor was in on many running downs. It seemed like the Titans wanted him to work on his blocking. In the third quarter, he dropped a gimme pass that was right to him.

Tim Semisch caught a pass and then dropped an easy one two plays later.

Mark Spelman looked fine at center late in the game. It’s a shame we haven’t been able to see the division two all american this summer.

Tim Lelito completely missed an assignment to allow a sack, but otherwise was alright.

Corey Levin and Tyler Marz played pretty well. There were a number of times that they didn’t get any push while run blocking. I didn’t like that, but they pass blocked well most of the time.

Josue Matias and Kelly were on the left and the Titans had most of their success running left. I expect both to make the roster.

David Fluellen received extensive action tonight as a running back and as a return man. He did well. There’s a comfort with him that the job will get done. I suppose it’s from all of his time on the Titans practice squad.

Brandon Radcliff was so excited to get into the game that, at about 3:20 left in the fourth quarter, he tripped over the line of scrimmage. If ever there was a moment to pick out someone that is nervous… Radcliff got the handoff on the next play and ran for a few with authority.

Khalfani Muhammad whiffed diving to stop a returner. He got banged up on the play somehow. Late in the game, he came in for a couple carries.

Akeem Judd showed his nice shifty feet. I expect Judd to make the practice squad.

Matt Cassel was good to start the game. That was probably his best game in years. He was sure of himself, authoritative, and under control.

Tre McBride was overthrown so many times that I began to feel bad for him. Here is a guy that has been on the practice squad and is desperately trying to make an impression to earn a roster spot. He runs his route, making his move to get open and then….the ball is overthrown. It was painful to watch and my heart goes out to him.

Harry Douglas did not play.

Tajae Sharpe had one ordinary catch and really did nothing to stand out. After two poor preseason performances, I wonder where he stands on the roster. After starting his rookie year, I was quite hopeful that Sharpe would be much improved in year two.

Cameron Robbins and Jimmy Staten made a number of plays late. They each grabbed our attention and the ball carrier. It seems there is only one spot to be had between the two defensive ends. Late in the game, Staten was injured. The Titans haven’t stated how serious the injury is. That just may decide which player makes the roster.

Eric Weems went in the game very late as a punt returner. The oncoming Chiefs gunner was 12 yards away from him and he didn’t field a punt at around the 25-yard line. The ball rolled and rolled. Eventually, Judd (who was blocking his man) almost accidentally stepped on the ball. That was a curious play by a returner hoping to make the team.

Linebacker Daren Bates made an outstanding decision in the third quarter. He noticed a wide receiver uncovered and went to cover him; he covered him well too. On the next play, a tight end snuck in behind his zone to make an easy catch. It was one stellar play with another play where he got caught napping.

Giovanni Pascascio had one pass thrown his way. He alligator-armed the pass, with a defender near, and missed it.

I didn’t notice Manny Abad but was told he was “the other cornerback” that the Chiefs were not throwing at, late in the game. He is another player I wish we saw more of. The Chiefs paying him that respect is interesting.

Jerome Cunningham and Jace Amaro each had a catch. Cunningham was unusually mobile for a blocking tight end. Nice catch big fella.

One play upset me and those I watched the game with. A screen pass was thrown to Darius Jennings. A defender had it well covered. He dove at Jennings and wrapped him up. Before Jennings hit the ground, Kelly dove at the defender and hit him with a shoulder to just above the knee. It was dirty. We watched the replay a few times. If Mularkey and/or the NFL see that, Kelly could have a fine or suspension coming.

Last but not least

More than 1100 players will be cut over the next two days. I wanted to take a moment to say, “Thanks for the memories” to all of those players.