The Tennessee Titans are set to square off against the New York Jets on Sunday, as the team will be looking to avoid an 0-2 start after an embarrassing loss to the Chicago Bears last Sunday.
With Titans vs Jets kickoff on the horizon, here are the keys to the game for Tennessee to come away with a victory in the home opener.
Establish the running game
Tony Pollard had an impressive Titans debut against the Bears, totaling 82 rushing yards and one touchdown. The 27-year-old was also extremely efficient, averaging 5.1 yards per carry.
Tyjae Spears received just eight touches in Week 1, but I expect the electric playmaker out of Tulane to be a bigger focal point in the offense moving forward.
The New York Jets’ run defense was lackluster to open the season against a San Francisco team without Christian McCaffrey, allowing 180 rushing yards and 4.7 yards per carry. If Tennessee wants to control the game and run an efficient offense on Sunday, running the football should be the gameplan.
Interior pressure from Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat
Though it was a quiet Week 1 for Jeffery Simmons, as the two-time pro bowler totaled zero quarterback pressures and two run stops against the Bears, the 27-year-old attracts a ton of attention from offensive lines and is arguably the best defensive tackle in the NFL at his best. Simmons’ counterpart, T’Vondre Sweat, enjoyed a solid NFL debut, posting a 77.7 PFF Grade and two quarterback pressures. Sweat also had the highest pass-rushing grade on the team at 81.8.
Outside of Harold Landry, the Titans lack high-end talent at edge rusher. That puts even more pressure on Simmons and Sweat to generate pressure on the interior, and the duo is very capable of doing so. With Aaron Rodgers lacking mobility and the Jets’ interior offensive line being the weak link of the unit, Tennessee’s dynamic defensive tackle duo could be in store for a monster afternoon on Sunday.
Win the turnover battle
Turnovers from Will Levis, along with a blocked punt TD, doomed the Titans in Chicago last week. If Levis continues to turn the ball over and play incredibly wild, Tennessee has no chance of winning this game. If the former Kentucky Wildcat plays clean, mistake-free football, then the Titan’s chances of winning rise exponentially.
Winning the turnover battle doesn’t just fall on Will Levis and the offense. Dennard Wilson’s defense did a fantastic job making Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense uncomfortable, but the unit failed to come away with a turnover. A strip sack, fumble recovery, or an interception from the defense could be the key to a Titans’ victory on Sunday.
ARTICLE: This Titans Veteran Must Step Up against the Jets on Sunday!
