The Titans have completed the "first quarter" of the regular season and shown multiple improvements in defensive categories in forging the identity of this team.
Tennessee has allowed 69 points in its first four games of 2013, which is 82 less than the 151 in the first four games of 2012.
The Titans have allowed opponents 30 fewer first downs and 10 less touchdowns than in the same span a year ago.
Tennessee has shown improvements in forcing opponents off the field on third down. After allowing a success rate of 45.45 percent in the first four games last season, the Titans are allowing less than a third of third downs to be converted this season. Consequently, opponents have netted 433 less yards and made 10 fewer trips inside the Tennessee 20-yard line and had five less goal-to-go situations this season than in the first four games last season.
Tennessee has recorded 14 sacks, which is eight more than this time a year ago, and the consistent pressure on quarterbacks has helped lead to four more interceptions than the Titans recorded in the first four games of 2012.
The chart below highlights differences in multiple statistical categories that help illustrate Tennessee's strong start to 2013:
Category
2012
2013
Change
Points Allowed
151
69
82 fewer
Opponent First Downs
104
74
30 fewer
First Downs by Rushing
39
19
20 fewer
Opp. 3rd Down Conv.
25-55 (45.45%)
17-52 (32.69%)
12.76% lower
Opp. Red Zone Conv.
12-19 (63.16%)
7-9 (77.78%)
10 fewer trips inside 20
Goal to Go Conversions
9-12 (75%)
6-7 (85.71%)
5 fewer trips inside 10
Opp. Offensive Plays
293
246
47 fewer
Net Yards Allowed
1,686
1,253
433 less
Opp. Net Rushing Yards
546
396
150 less
Opp. Net Passing Yards
1,140
857
283 less
Opp. Completion %
75.34%
64.75%
10.59% less frequent
Opp. Avg. Per Pass
7.5
5.6
1.9
Interceptions
1
5
4 more
Fumbles/Fum. Lost
4-1
5-4
3 more recoveries
