Media power rankings: Week 15
A common theme around the media during the early part of the week is power rankings. Whether they are ranking college football teams, baseball teams, basketball teams, or NFL teams it is something that most major outlets do.
ESPN and NFL.com are no different, and they are the two that I pay the most attention to during the week. They generally use either a composite ranking to get their list, or they have someone assigned to watch every game before they make their list.
So, let’s take a look at how those two sites ranked the Tennessee Titans in their power rankings.
NFL: 19 (23)
“The Titans will not go away. After looking thoroughly unimpressive in a tight win over the lowly Bears, Tennessee capitalized on its late bye week, looking certifiably impressive against the defending champs. Should’ve trusted my gut and picked the Titans, a physical team coming off a week of rest. Mike Mularkey’s ruthless running attack was indeed stout (42 carries for 180 yards). But that defense, y’all. Dick LeBeau’s unit was all over Trevor Siemian and completely shut down the run, giving up a mere 10 points in a game the Titans had to have.”
-Elliot Harrison
The Tennessee Titans had to win against either Denver or Kansas City, and they got their must win last week. It was truly one of the most impressive showings I have seen from the Titans, who have been relentless in their efforts to let down the fan base over the last decade.
This team is exactly what Harrison said, they don’t go away and they are physical. I can’t say enough how wrong I was about Mike Mularkey.
ESPN: 16 (19)
“Marcus Mariota went 6-of-20 in Sunday’s win, but the Titans’ defense showed it can win games too. Brian Orakpo (10.0) and Derrick Morgan (9.0) each had a sack Sunday, and are the only pair of teammates with at least 9.0 sacks each this season. They’ll be chasing after QB Alex Smith at Kansas City this week.”
titans
Arrowhead Addict 10hLocked on Chiefs - Ken Goit on Alex Smith's QB production
More headlines around FanSided:
21h - 2017 Available Wide Receivers Ranked1 d - Tennessee Titans dream playoffs scenario1 d - Locked on Chiefs - Derrick Johnson's injury, stopping Titans1 d - Titans vs Broncos: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly1 d - Tennessee Titans Beat Denver Broncos, Stay Tied On Top of DivisionMore News at Titan Sized
Mariota had a tough day, but he also had two touchdowns called back. One of those was for ineptitude on the refs, and to be fair so was the others.
Despite the garbage refs, the Titans did show that they can win a defensive game at home. On offense this team is tough as nails and they have a quarterback who can kill defenses at any time with his legs or his arm. On defense, they do have two of the top pass rushers in the NFL and there is a very good chance that Derrick Morgan could get his 10th sack on Sunday and the duo would top 20 sacks.
More from Titan Sized
Don’t forget, the team did this without Jurrell Casey, possibly their best and most consistent defensive player outside of Brian Orakpo. If the Titans can add a strong push in the middle to a defensive unit that is already getting around the edges well, it could make life tough for a team like the Kansas City Chiefs who don’t exactly have the best offensive tackles in the NFL.
Finally, the Titans are getting some love in the power rankings and if they manage a win on Sunday this team may finally have turned the corner.