Let's say for the sake of argument that Tannehill does go off. How would that look? Who's he throwing the ball to?
AJ Brown, obviously. Although just 1 reception for 17 yards when we played them in November. But he's the easiest threat to identify.
Then you've got Corey Davis. Had two notable games this year: one 6 for 80, the other 5 for 91. Didn't do much the rest of the year (43/601/2 TD total over 16). He only cleared 50 yards in one other game.
Those were the only two players on the entire roster over 500 yards for the season. And there was only one other - TE Jonnu Smith, over 400.
So, again, let's say Tannehill does somehow transform into some other quarterback than himself. He's no longer the guy who can't read defenses or diagnose blitzes or deliver accurate passes any distance beyond the line of scrimmage. What does he do and how does he do it?
Is this moving the chains? Is this quick scores? Sustained drives seems more feasible, judging by his receiving corps and the likely focus on tight ends and running backs. Is there a real deep threat there? Because would contend that despite his numbers AJ Brown is more of a possession receiver. Although he can break a long one. Is there anyone else?
And can the Titans keep Tannehill's jersey clean if they do decide to throw the ball? Because he takes a lot of sacks.
It just seems like a risky approach to take, looking at their roster in a vacuum. Anything is possible, but I'm not sure where the production would come from.
But that's not exactly unusual in the playoffs... [Reply]
Originally Posted by keg in kc:
Let's say for the sake of argument that Tannehill does go off. How would that look? Who's he throwing the ball to?
AJ Brown, obviously. Although just 1 reception for 17 yards when we played them in November. But he's the easiest threat to identify.
Then you've got Corey Davis. Had two notable games this year: one 6 for 80, the other 5 for 91. Didn't do much the rest of the year (43/601/2 TD total over 16). He only cleared 50 yards in one other game.
Those were the only two players on the entire roster over 500 yards for the season. And there was only one other - TE Jonnu Smith, over 400.
So, again, let's say Tannehill does somehow transform into some other quarterback than himself. He's no longer the guy who can't read defenses or diagnose blitzes or deliver accurate passes any distance beyond the line of scrimmage. What does he do and how does he do it?
Is this moving the chains? Is this quick scores? Sustained drives seems more feasible, judging by his receiving corps and the likely focus on tight ends and running backs. Is there a real deep threat there? Because would contend that despite his numbers AJ Brown is more of a possession receiver. Although he can break a long one. Is there anyone else?
And can the Titans keep Tannehill's jersey clean if they do decide to throw the ball? Because he takes a lot of sacks.
It just seems like a risky approach to take, looking at their roster in a vacuum. Anything is possible, but I'm not sure where the production would come from.
But that's not exactly unusual in the playoffs...
This is basically my thinking as well. Tannehill isn't going to change his spots in one week. He's never been a guy that can consistently can put a team on his shoulders and carry them to victory with his arm. Or even with his arm and legs. That's not who he's ever been.
Now, has he played well since becoming the starter? Sure, no question.
But in order for him to carry the load against the Chiefs, he'd have to complete a lot better than 50% of his passes. He'd have to convert a lot more 3rd downs.
And his primary receivers would have to perform at a much higher success rate than they have throughout the season.
And their defense would have to cut the Chiefs offensive efficiency in half.
That's just a huge ask to have all three of those things happen in one game. Tannehill would have to complete 15% more of his passes. His receivers would have to catch 60-70% more passes. They would have to score twice as often than they have for the season, including the playoffs. And their defense would have to force the Chiefs offense to be 50% less effective.
And it doesn't work if they only get one of those things to happen. They have to get at least three of the four to happen to beat KC. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Megatron96:
This is basically my thinking as well. Tannehill isn't going to change his spots in one week. He's never been a guy that can consistently can put a team on his shoulders and carry them to victory with his arm. Or even with his arm and legs. That's not who he's ever been.
Now, has he played well since becoming the starter? Sure, no question.
But in order for him to carry the load against the Chiefs, he'd have to complete a lot better than 50% of his passes. He'd have to convert a lot more 3rd downs.
And his primary receivers would have to perform at a much higher success rate than they have throughout the season.
And their defense would have to cut the Chiefs offensive efficiency in half.
That's just a huge ask to have all three of those things happen in one game. Tannehill would have to complete 15% more of his passes. His receivers would have to catch 60-70% more passes. They would have to score twice as often than they have for the season, including the playoffs. And their defense would have to force the Chiefs offense to be 50% less effective.
And it doesn't work if they only get one of those things to happen. They have to get at least three of the four to happen to beat KC.
If Tannehill leads them to some easy, quick TDs, and transforms this game into a shoot out, I still like our odds. [Reply]