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NFL Power Rankings, Week 1: Carson Wentz lights up the world

By George Stockburger

Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws his first touchdown pass of his career against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws his first touchdown pass of his career against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) enters the field prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back DeMarco Murray (29) enters the field prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at Nissan Stadium. Tennessee won 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

30. Tennessee Titans

It was a tale of two-halves for the Tennessee Titans in their season-opener at home. After their defense shutout Shaun Hill and the Minnesota Vikings going into the locker room, the floodgates opened.

Tennessee gave up 25 points in the second half, responding with just six points of their own. Twelve of those points were field goals by Vikings kicker Blair Walsh, while the remaining points came off of turnovers. So while the defense never broke, they bent just a bit too much.

The defense also didn’t break into the box score, failing to force a turnover or complete a sack.

Marcus Mariota finished 25/41 with 271 yards, two touchdowns, and a pick-six to linebacker Eric Kendricks. The former Duck also added 19 rushing yards to the box score. Mariota also botched a read-option hand-off that was fumbled and subsequently returned for a Vikings touchdown.

Running back DeMarco Murray had a mixed bag of results to start to his Titans career. He scored the Titans only two touchdowns, but capped the game off with a fumble on a second down in the fourth quarter. Heisman trophy winner Derrick Henry didn’t get many opportunities, rushing just five times for three yards.

It was good to see Tajae Sharpe emerge after being drafted out of UMass this spring. The rookie led the team with seven catches for 76 receiving yards. Mariota was clearly favoring Sharpe throughout the game, targeting him 11 times.

Times won’t get any easier for the Titans, as they play Detroit, Oakland, and Houston in the coming weeks.

Next: San Diego Chargers

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