It hasn’t been a long time since the Tennessee Titans lost to the New England Patriots, 59-0. But the team is making it a note that they have learned from that experience and it is not going to happen again. In his press conference yesterday afternoon, head coach Mike Munchak explained that it was a ‘learning experience’.
“It woke us up as a team- we went 8-2 as a team after that. We made a positive out of something that was real negative.”
He does realize though what a great team he is up against both then and now and has no problem with Jake Locker leading the pack.
“You’re playing against a pretty darn good football team to start your career…the best team in the AFC.”
The Titans plan on playing guys on a weekly and situational basis. “We will find out quickly where we are at.” They have a lot of weapons that they are excited about, especially on offense, even without Kenny Britt for the first game.
“They need to get good at adjusting during a game and during a series. It’s going to be a great challenge for our defense, and if you’re a good competitor, that’s the kind of challenge you want.”
The biggest thing Munchak said is the difference from last year to this year is the simple fact that the coaching staff knows the team a lot better. They have taken the time to see what each player excels at and who works best with whom.
“Finally seeing where we are at as a group, we finally have our 53 together. You have to be careful not to be too excited though.”
The franchise has known now, since April, that New England would be the home opening opponent. It gives the team a lot of time to get excited and nervous and prepare all within these past five months. Now the realization that they are playing one of the best teams in the league is really setting in.
Darius Reunaud will be return man, excellent for someone who was crossing his fingers to hope he made the team. An injury to wide receiver Marc Mariani helped make that decision. The team has voted on captains but none are decided yet. Most all injured players should be clear to play within the next week. Ryan Mouton has been cleared and will play in the season opener.
Munchak finished his press conference with a very simple and meaningful comment:
“Winning AFC games are the big thing, we are very optimistic this season. It is a sixteen game season. Last year we were 3-1. We want to win enough games to win the division.”
