DeMarco Murray scampers for a 71-yard touchdown
This past Saturday night the Tennessee Titans defeated the San Diego Chargers 27-10. This was preseason week one. It was a pretty good and entertaining game until Bishop Sankey put it out of reach with a 41-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter. However even with that kind of production, it’s going to be an uphill battle for the 2014 second-round pick to secure a roster spot, due to the recent acquisitions of Murray and Henry. Speaking of which, both DeMarco Murray and rookie Derrick Henry had touchdowns in the opener.
DeMarco had a 71-yard touchdown run toward the end of the first quarter. Henry added a six-yard touchdown run in the middle of the second quarter. The Titans’ new look rushing attack looked very impressive in their debut victory, as they picked up where they left off from the scrimmage.
“I’d love to see that all season,” said Titans Head Coach Mike Mularkey. Murray’s night ended with him having six carries for 93 yards. Henry had 10 carries for 74 yards.
“Today was a good day with the O-line blocking and us running,” said Henry.
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota played three series, going five of five for 45 yards, including a 31-yard strike to rookie Tajae Sharpe. The Titans ended that drive with a field goal. Mariota capped off his final drive with Murray’s touchdown. Murray credited receivers Dorial Green-Beckham and Harry Douglas for delivering quality blocks on his run. The defense played well forcing two turnovers (both interceptions) and special teams was solid as well. The Titans hit three of three field goals.
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers played just one series in the game. He connected with Melvin Gordon for a 44-yard touchdown on his first and only drive. Rivers was two of three for 64 yards. Included in the drive was a 20-yard completion to Keenan Allen on third and long. The very next play was the Gordon pitch and catch to the end zone.
Kellen Clemens played most of the first half for the Chargers, going nine of 16 for 96 yards. Former Titan quarterback Zach Mettenberger played slightly in the second half. He went two of eight for 22 yards with an interception. Kevin Byard, a third-round pick from Middle Tennessee State University, picked off one of Mettenberger’s passes in the third quarter.
“We had too many penalties,” said Head Coach Mike McCoy. “Defensively we’ve got to do a better job of stopping the run.”
Tight end Hunter Henry had three catches for 43 yards. Kenneth Farrow finished with 60 yards on 16 carries for the Bolts.
Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers come to town this weekend to face the Titans. A lot of controversy swirled around Cam the last time he was in uniform in the Music City. It’s probably safe to say that there is ‘no love lost’ between him and the fans at Nissan Stadium.
