Titans win first in OT, will roll thru Motor City on Sunday

The Titans snaked their way out of their game against Tampa Bay for their first win, but it took OT to do it.

The Bucs', because of several costly penalties, were allowed to hang around in this one far longer than they should have. A few games more into the season and, with a bit more discipline under their belt, the Titans should remedy this problem and be back on track to same level of play that we have seen from them over the past two previous seasons.

From the start, the Titans played like a different team compared to that of their first three previous games. The Titans defense took control of the Bucs' offense on their first drive and shut them down. McNair answered quickly, utilizing one of his new receivers, McCareins, and then wraps it up with Dyson for the touchdown. However, on their next possession, when it looked like they were going straight for the endzone again, the Titans started to look a lot like they did in their first three games. That's why the Bucs' were able to hang around so long in this one. Mistakes and penalties.

* 1st Quarter: PENALTY Z.Piller, Ineligible Downfield Pass, 5-yards, enforced at TN 41, No Play. INTERCEPTED 3-13 at TB 17, S.McNair pass intended for F.Wycheck intercepted by D.Brooks at TB 11 and returned to TB 21. Drives results in TB TD.

* 2nd Quarter: PENALTY J.Evans, Encroachment, 4-yards enforced at TN 9, No Play. Results in 1st down and TB TD. PASS INCOMPLETE N.O'Donnell pass incomplete to J.McCareins. PENALTY F.Miller, Illegal Use of Hands, 10-yards enforced at TB 21, No Play. Stalls drive, forces FG.

* 3rd Quarter: PENALTY S.Meier, Offensive Holding, 10-yards enforced at TN 21. Stalls drive and forces punt. PENALTY A.Morris, Offensive Holding, 10-yards, enforced at TN 27. Drive starts at TN 17 instead. PENALTY M.Booker, Defensive Offside, 5-yards enforced at TB 32, No Play. Results in 1st down and TB TD.

* 4TH Quarter: PENALTY R.Godfrey, Personal Foul, 16-yards, enforced at TB 45. Moves TB into TN territory on a crucial 4th Quarter drive. PENALTY D.Jenkins, Defensive Pass Interference, 10-yards, enforced at TN 24. Drives results in TB TD. PENALTY Delay of Game, 5-yards, enforced at TB 25, No Play. Stalls drive and forces J.Nedney FG that goes wide right. PENALTY K.Carter, Defensive Offside, 5-yards, enforced at TB 33, No Play. B.Johnson pass intended for R.Anthony was intercepted by D.Jenkins at TB 49. Drives results in TB TD and OT play.

The Titans first drive of the second quarter solidified to me that the Titans are back on track.

Week 5 Analysis: Everybody looked better on both sides of the ball. The offense and defense looked physically and mentally ready for this one, and I especially liked the addition of rookie wideouts Justin McCareins and Drew Bennett. On defense, rookie Andre Dyson has started to emerge as a gamer.

Week 6 Outlook: Improve on the Tampa Bay win and make a major statement on the road against the Lions. After four games, the Titans are ranked 30th in the league in passing defense, allowing 242.5-yards per game. With Rolle out, Bishop questionable and Myers and Sidney out for the season, the Titans reserves will get a lot of work against the Lions pass-first, three to four wideout formations. Luckily, Moore's out and Batch can be rattled. Putting pressure on Batch will be the key to disrupting the Lions West Coast attack.

James Boswell owns and runs ProFootballFanatics.com, where he covers the Tennessee Titans, as well as provide commentary on the NFL.