Music City Miracles
Interim Tennessee Titans head coach Mike McCoy will make his debut against Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots on Sunday. McCoy is replacing Brian Callahan, who was fired earlier this week. He’s already discussed making changes to the offense throughout his meetings with the media.
McCoy is more of an old-school leader than Callahan was. When pressed for additional information, he’s preferred to keep details regarding what offensive changes he’s implementing under wraps. We’ll receive our first opportunity to assess and judge those changes against the Patriots on Sunday.
Those changes need to include Chig Okonkwo and Tyjae Spears on offense. The Titans will be without wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Bryce Oliver this week. With such few pass-catching options, rookie quarterback Cam Ward needs to trust Okonkwo to make plays on offense.
Okonkwo matched a season-high six targets against the Las Vegas Raiders last weekend. The former Maryland standout hauled in all six for 46 receiving yards. Believe it or not, Okonkwo is on pace for a career-high 65 receptions for another personal-best 617 receiving yards. With Ridley out, the Titans need to keep providing him with enough volume to make plays offensively. He’ll be Cam Ward’s most reliable healthy target against the Patriots on Sunday.
Coach McCoy is being asked to help aid Ward’s development. Creating more passing-game opportunities for a yards-after-catch threat like Okonkwo would help. Ward needs to feel comfortable relying on his safety outlets.
In two appearances this year, Spears has rushed for 45 yards via nine carries. He’s averaging a healthy 5.0 yards per carry. Tony Pollard averaged 3.4 YPC versus the Raiders last weekend. The dual-threat Spears also had four catches against the Raiders.
With Ridley sidelined, McCoy’s coaching debut should involve getting speedy, athletic playmakers like Ridley and Spears the ball in space.
