2016 NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Arizona Cardinals

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive back Leonard Johnson (23) breaks up a two point conversion pass during the fourth quarter intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive back Leonard Johnson (23) breaks up a two point conversion pass during the fourth quarter intended for Arizona Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 27, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) celebrates after a defensive stop in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 36-22. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 27, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) celebrates after a defensive stop in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 36-22. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

13. Tennessee Titans (4-4)

No the Titans haven’t been world beaters and may be ranked slightly higher here than they deserve but they should be recognized for the job they’ve done to improve.  Quarterback Marcus Mariota has improved as well as the addition of a healthy running game.

The running game was bolstered by the addition of DeMarco Murray, who has rushed for at least 107 yards or more in four of the Titans games.  Two other games saw him rush for 89 and 95 yards respectively.

The trick will be to see it through until the end.  The Titans have beaten the Browns and Jaguars in their last two victories and their last loss was to the Colts.

This week the Titans are at San Diego.  It is a game that they certainly can win if they maintain a healthy balance of running and passing the ball.  The Titans are third overall in rushing and should continue to use Murray as much as possible without overloading him.

Schedule