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It’s been a long time, but Titans football will officially be back this Sunday. The Titans have made a ton of moves this off season and will look to make a statement when they take the field in Chicago. Here are 3 things to watch for on Sunday.

The Battle In The Trenches

The Titans have completely overhauled their offensive and defensive line. On offense, the Titans will look to establish the run game to open up the offense. Rookie JC Latham will make his first NFL start at left tackle. Although Latham has made significant progress throughout the offseason, he along with 2nd year OL Peter Skoronski, newly acquired center Lloyd Cushenberry, Dillion Randunz, and Nicholos Petite Frere will have a tall task ahead of them. The Bears’ defense finished strong in 2023. They were among the league’s best as the year ended. The addition of defensive end Montez Sweat helped elevate the group, and the Bears are looking to establish itself amongst the league’s best to start the year.

Defensively, the Titans will look to attack a Bears’ offensive line filled full of question marks and a former Titan, Nate Davis. T’Vondre Sweat was drafted in the 2nd round to pair with star defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. Chicago is banking on growth and continuity on their offensive line. While the group improved in 2023, they struggled with injuries and consistency. It will be interesting to see if Chicago can give Caleb Williams the protection he needs to operate under center.

Brian Callahan’s Head Coaching Debut

Brian Callahan was hired to not only modernize the Titans’ offense, but also to develop second year quarterback Will Levis into a top tier quarterback. Sunday will be an emotional day for multiple reasons. Brian will be accompanied by longtime assistant coach and current offensive line coach Bill Callahan. For those who’ve been under a rock, Bill is the father of Brian Callahan. Sunday will be a homecoming for the Callahan’s as well.

In an article from The Tennessean’s Nick Suss, Callahan talked about his ties to Chicago.

“My aunt and my uncle live there. Both of my uncles, my dad’s brothers, before they passed they both lived there. My grandmother lived there. They were a tried and true Chicago family,” Callahan said Wednesday. “My dad’s from the south side, my mom’s from the north side. They are all Chicago.”

Kevin Byard Revenge Game

This time last year, Kevin Byard was a Titan and only focused on being a Titan. Things changed in the middle of last season as Byard was traded to the Philidelphia Eagles. The Eagles went on to release Byard during the offseason. It did not take long for the former Titans’ safety to find a new team. Chicago signed Byard to a 2-year deal worth up to $15 million. Even though Byard will be looking to send his former team back home with a loss, there is no love lost for Kevin Byard in the Titans’ locker room. Titans’ safeties Amani Hooker and Quandre Diggs along with wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine spoke highly about Byard. They also embrace the challenge that comes with playing against Byard.

Sunday’s game doesn’t lack storylines by any means. Chicago will be looking to start their season off with their new and improved offenses lead by 2024’s first overall draft pick, Caleb Williams. The Titans on the other hand will be looking to spoil the party and quiet the hype.

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