The Titans dropped their last preseason game in Week 2’s meeting with the New England Patriots, but look to bounce back on their home turf on Sunday.
This time, the Titans face yet another formidable opponent in the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have yet to lose a game midway through the preseason.
Here are three offensive keys for the Titans to hand the Steelers their first loss ahead of the regular season.
1. Ball security.
While committing turnovers is important to avoid in any game, it’s especially crucial against a team like the Steelers.
Pittsburgh has a stable of offensive weapons, and the Titans can’t afford to grant them any extra drives.
2. Convert in the red zone.
This won’t be a game that a team can win by just kicking field goals. Marcus Mariota has consistently been a great red-zone quarterback, and we need see that magic from him again.
Wide receivers Corey Davis and A.J. Brown need to use their size to make plays in the red zone if given an opportunity, and Mariota should take note if the Steelers match a linebacker up on Delanie Walker in the red zone.
If we do see Adam Humphries, he could be a threat in the air with his route-running ability. In the backfield, running backs Dion Lewis and Jeremy McNichols could be called upon to punch it in during red-zone situations.
At the bottom of the roster, Ryan Tannehill could also lean on players like receivers Kalif Raymond and Cody Hollister as well as Anthony Firkser.
3. Control the tempo.
This is a game we’re likely going to see multiple paces in.
There will be situations in which the Titans will need the hurry-up touchdown, but also moments in which the Titans will need to slow the game down.
The Titans will need to capitalize on opportunities to make chunk plays, but also control the clock to keep the opposing offense off the field.
