SPORTS

What Titans preseason game taught us

Jim Wyatt
jwyatt@tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger was 20-of-25 passing for 269 yards against the Saints with two touchdowns and an interception.

The Titans did plenty of things right in their 31-24 preseason loss to the New Orleans Saints on Friday.

But in game that featured a combined 32 penalties, the visitors also made their share of blunders in the Superdome, including five turnovers.

Here are some things that stood out as the Titans (1-1) turn their attention to Saturday's game against the Atlanta Falcons:

Justin Hunter's red-zone potential

Hunter could be what Kenny Britt was supposed to be — a nearly unstoppable target near the goal line.

The second-year pro from Tennessee made it look easy on his 4-yard touchdown against the Saints, putting himself in great position to go up and get the ball despite the presence of a defender. It was reminiscent of plays he's made throughout training camp.

Hunter could end up drawing extra attention in the red zone, which would open up quarterback Jake Locker's options.

The first-team defense's struggles

I thought the defense would be improved under new coordinator Ray Horton, despite the learning curve that comes with going from a 4-3 to a 3-4. The lackluster starts so far surprised me, however.

Backup quarterbacks leading touchdown drives, shaky tackling, lack of tenacity — where's the sense of urgency?

Zach Mettenberger's big potential

It hasn't taken Mettenberger long to prove he was worth the gamble of a sixth-round pick. Against the Saints, he once again showed a big arm and looked impressive, even if he was going against mostly second- and third-team defenders.

He's also been good for some rookie blunders — two more turnovers on Friday — but if he eliminates them, he will have fans wanting to see more.

Bishop Sankey's fumbling issues

While I still envision the rookie playing a bigger role this season than Shonn Greene or Dexter McCluster, I can't help but wonder whether his continued fumbling issues will cost him.

Sankey looked good overall against the Saints, but he dropped the ball for the second week in a row and has had exchange issues with quarterbacks in practice.

Coty Sensabaugh's off-night

The third-year pro was kicking himself after an off-night against the Saints. He let a few receivers get behind him, something he didn't allow very often in his first two seasons.

Sensabaugh has been money in the slot, however, so it's easy to see coaches keeping him there and going with Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Jason McCourty on the outside.

Expect coaches to decide between Sensabaugh and Wreh-Wilson soon.


Titans kicker Travis Coons (4) kicks a 50 yard-field goal during the first half Friday.

The kicking battle is getting interesting

I think even the Titans are surprised that undrafted rookie Travis Coons remains in the hunt. He made a 50-yarder against the Saints and has been more accurate than Maikon Bonani.

Coaches like Bonani's leg strength, but it's hard to ignore the ball going through the uprights just about every time it leaves Coons' right foot.

Shonn Greene looks quite capable

The veteran running back's forgettable offseason — second knee surgery, significant weight gain — put his job in jeopardy. Now, he's trimmer and picking up steam in his bid to earn carries.

Yes, he's had two good preseason games, but will his troublesome right knee be OK?

Marc Mariani isn't folding his tent

The popular fifth-year pro had a tough preseason opener but bounced back with impressive returns against the Saints. His 30-yard average would've been much better if not for a holding penalty on his longest return.

Mariani continues to face an uphill battle to make the roster, but he's not giving up the fight.

Reach Jim Wyatt at 615-259-8015 and on Twitter @jwyattsports.

NEXT GAME

TITANS at FALCONS

• When: 6 p.m. Saturday

• TV/radio: WKRN-2/104.5-FM