Just one more week of preseason football stands between the Tennessee Titans and the 2019 NFL regular season.
After dropping their past two contests at home, the Titans will look for redemption as they take Soldier Field against the (1-2) Bears this evening.
Thursday’s game also marks the last chance for darkhorse candidates to make a strong case for the 53-man roster, which the Titans will trim down to on Aug. 31.
Here are three defensive keys for the Titans to emerge with the victory.
1. Force three-and-outs.
The Bears are a team much like the Titans, in the sense that they focus on running the football and playing good defense.
If the Titans can shut down the Bears in the ground game, it will force a lot of third-down and longs and give Tennessee both control and momentum.
2. Improve tackling technique.
Tackling is one of the most basic elements of football, but also one the Titans have struggled with at moments this preseason.
Tennessee’s tackling technique against the Pittsburgh Steelers was a fair improvement from the first game versus the Philadelphia Eagles, but made clear the defense still has a lot of fixing to do.
With it being the fourth week of the preseason, this will be a game played by mostly players on the bubble. If tackling continues to be poor, expect to see several roster moves made next week.
3. Create turnovers.
The Titans offense will need as many opportunities to crack a defense as formidable as Chicago’s is.
Forcing the Bears offense off the field will be imperative to a maintained Titans lead in this one.
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