10 Things I Learned From Week 2 of the NFL Season

Maybe We Were Wrong About the Tennessee Offense

Everyone – including yours truly – was ready for the Titans offense to explode against a depleted Dallas defense in Week 2. Jake Locker was a top quarterback streaming option, second-year wideout Justin Hunter was ready to break free, and the Titans were bound to start their season 2-0.

So, about that…

The Dallas defense stepped up on the road, making Jake Locker and company look pedestrian. Locker’s final stat line doesn’t look atrocious, but keep in mind that he had a 7.3 quarterback rating at the half, and he was able to put something together due to the fact that the Cowboys had nearly a 95% chance of winning (according to our win probability numbers) after the first half concluded.

Perhaps it was a hiccup. Our numbers think the Titans offense is above average, and Jake Locker’s per drop back Passing NEP numbers were on par with Jay Cutler’s a season ago. I think this game was a combination of the Titans offense not showing up, and the Cowboys defense showing us that we’re not giving them enough credit. You know, since football fans are giving them zero acknowledgment.