NFL power rankings: 32-team overreactions heading into Week 2
By Peter Panacy
![FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown by Phillip Dorsett #13 (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown by Phillip Dorsett #13 (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/5736e70cf23bc4556d2a4205a11b832575a4dcf2cb138dc51f0adc5ab83d689a.jpg)
Tennessee Titans. 19. team. 35. . L, 27-20 @ Dolphins. Previous:
The Titans suffer a pretty massive drop in our NFL power rankings heading into Week 2 not because of their road loss to the Dolphins, per se, but rather what appears to be a season-ending ankle injury to tight end Delanie Walker.
Considering how much the Titans offense has revolved around Walker in the passing game, one can’t think of a bigger blow to first-year head coach Mike Vrabel’s chances in 2018. It means he’ll have to rely heavily on wide receivers Rishard Matthews and Corey Davis — a formula that hasn’t exactly produced top-offensive results lately.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota, who tossed two interceptions during the game, also exited with an injury, giving way to backup QB Blaine Gabbert.
And once something like that happens, one can almost assure the Titans wouldn’t be able to pull off a road victory.
It was also a game marked by some scuffles between the two teams, which only added to the drama made by the extended delays.
Rough start for Vrabel, that’s for sure.