The Tennessee Titans will travel to Philadelphia Thursday to open up their preseason schedule against the Eagles. This will be the first opportunity to for many fans to see the 2019 version of the Titans.
While the preseason holds little meaning, both are obviously looking to start the year off with a win.
Here are three defensive keys to victory for Tennessee.
Linebackers vs Tight Ends and Running Backs
Outside of Wesley Woodyard and Daren Bates, the Titans are extremely young at the linebacker position. We probably won’t see much of the starters, if any at all.
However, the Eagles are a high-powered offense, and have a ton of depth at running back and tight end.
The Eagles brought in several new running backs over the offseason to add to their already crowded backfield. Jordan Howard came over via trade, they drafted Miles Sanders, and even re-signed veteran Darren Sproles.
To go along with those three backs, the Eagles also have Josh Adams, Corey Clement, Donnel Pumprey, and Wendell Smallwood returning who proved last season they can compete at the NFL level.
Will the Titans’ young group of depth linebackers be able to shed their blocks, fill their assigned gaps, and adjust to tackling a different type of running back every few plays? If the Titans are going to win this game, it will be important for the young linebackers to keep opposing rushers in check.
However, we’ll see the running backs doing more than running the ball, Miles Sanders and Donnel Pumphrey are a threat catching passes as well.
Rookie linebacker David Long Jr. will be a player to watch in this one. Will he be able to cover these backs out of the backfield?
Another assignment he will likely get is to help cover the promising second year tight end Dallas Goedert.
Edge Rushers vs the Offensive Line
As mentioned before, the Eagles have a high-powered offense, and one piece of a this system that gets overlooked is the offensive line.
The Eagles have one of the better offensive lines in the game, led by Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, and first round rookie Andre Dillard.
Can Harold Landry and Sharif Finch build off the success of their rookie year headed into year two? Will Cameron Wake continue to defy Father Time?
Looking further down the depth chart, will D’Andre Walker and Derick Robinson be able to win against the second and third team offensive lineman and create pressure?
The Titans edge rushers are going to have to create rushed throws from the opposing quarterbacks.
Create turnovers
The last key on this list goes hand-in-hand with the first. Hurried passes could lead to interceptions, attacking the ball while tackling can lead to fumbles and hitting the quarterback in a crowded pocket could lead to strip sacks.
Someone will need to step up and make a game changing play. For so many young players competing for a roster spot and getting extensive playing time, it could go along ways in helping them earn a spot.
Amani Hooker playing multiple positions in the secondary should allow him some opportunities. David Long Jr. will be asked to do multiple things in the front seven which should see him get opportunities, and there could be a player who maybe struggles in practice and has a big game to surprise us all.
