The Tennessee Titans (2-3) travel to Empower Field at Mile High on Sunday in hopes of evening out their record against the Denver Broncos (1-4).
The Broncos hadn’t won a contest all season until last week, when they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, 20-13 on the road. Now, they aim to stay hot as they return home.
Here are three things the Titans must do on offense to get their third victory of the season on Sunday.
1. Protect Marcus Mariota.
Mariota has been sacked 22 times over five games in 2019 as the offensive line has struggled. Linebacker Von Miller is still on the Broncos roster, and is one of the best edge rushers in the league.
Taylor Lewan’s return has provided a boost for the Titans offensive line, but the biggest weakness still lies at the right guard position.
Rookie Nate Davis played fair for an inexperienced player just returning from injury, but he will be the one defensive coordinators try to attack. The Titans will have to scheme things to get tight ends involved in the blocking to help this offensive line.
2. Take advantage of unproven players.
Aside from Miller and Chris Harris Jr., the Broncos are extremely limited on proven players on the defensive side of the ball.
Mariota and the Titans will need to locate these players before every snap and make them a non-factor.
Just as opposing teams do with safety Kevin Byard, Mariota will need to avoid picking on Harris too much. For Von Miller, the Titans will need to make sure he is double teamed or have a quick pass or run play called.
3. Control the clock.
The best way to control the clock is to establish the run. The Titans will want to win the time of possession battle in this one.
The air will be much thinner than Titans players are accustomed to, the Titans defense will need as much rest as possible.
A big part of the Titans offense is also play-action, if the run isn’t established, linebackers and safeties will not respect the run threat. Play-action also take time to develop. If the offensive line isn’t protecting well enough these plays will get blew up in the backfield.
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