The Tennessee Titans are entering a Week 9 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs that has the deck stacked against them in more ways than one.
Not only do the Titans have to deal with a raucous crowd at Arrowhead Stadium, they’re also short-handed on defense and may have to turn to a rookie quarterback in Malik Willis, who struggled in Week 8.
Ryan Tannehill’s status remains up in the air, and even if he does play he’ll likely be doing so at less than 100 percent.
The Chiefs sport the same record as the Titans at 5-2, but their path to this point has been much more impressive, with Kansas City sporting an elite offense through seven games.
The Titans are no strangers to shutting down Patrick Mahomes and Co., and they’ll need that kind of effort if they hope to escape Week 9 with a win.
Here are some keys to victory for Tennessee.
If Malik Willis starts: More designed runs
It’s clear Willis isn’t quite there yet in his development in terms of being able to win a game with his arm, but one thing the rookie signal-caller can do is use his elite athleticism to make plays.
We didn’t see nearly enough designed runs last week, and that’s something that needs to change if the Titans are going to have a chance with Willis under center in Week 9.
Unfortunately, offensive coordinator Todd Downing had a less-than-ideal response when asked about the lack of designed runs for Willis in Week 8.
Todd Downing on lack of designed runs for #Titans QB Malik Willis on Sunday.
Wants it to “come naturally” and not be forced: pic.twitter.com/eMClilA6cg
— AtoZ Sports Nashville (@AtoZSports) November 3, 2022
There’s no allowing designed runs to come naturally. You either call them or you don’t, and Tennessee needs to be doing the former.
The Chiefs don’t have to respect the pass with Willis under center, and with how poorly Titans receivers have done in terms of separation, that’s also the case with Tannehill under center.
If Downing doesn’t allow Willis to utilize his legs more, that will allow the Chiefs and their No. 3 run defense to focus in on Derrick Henry even more.
If Ryan Tannehill starts: Get the ball out of his hands quickly
Even if he plays, Tannehill is likely to be less than 100 percent, which will limit his mobility. That’s a big issue for the Titans, as their offensive line is never guaranteed to provide adequate protection.
On top of keeping extra blockers back to help out, the Titans also need to be getting the ball out of the veteran’s hands quickly in order to minimize the possible impact Kansas City’s pass-rush will have.
If Tennessee’s protection breaks down while Tannehill is looking down the field to make a big play, he’ll be a sitting duck. The Titans can’t let that happen.
Ride The King
Whether it’s Willis or Tannehill under center, the offensive game plan remains the same: Feed The King.
We list this as a key pretty much every week, but for good reason; the Titans are simply inept at throwing the football, something that doesn’t figure to get better this week no matter who starts at quarterback.
Henry will face one of his toughest challenges yet this season, as the Chiefs sport the No. 3 run defense in the NFL.
Yards will be tough to come by, but we’ve seen Henry thrive against good run defenses before. Doing so this week not only makes things easier for the passing game, but it’ll also keep the Chiefs’ elite offense off the field.
As is the case on defense, the Titans must win this game in the trenches on offense. That starts upfront with the offensive line, which has been much better in run-blocking the last four games.
Get to Patrick Mahomes
When the Titans beat the Chiefs last season, holding them to just three points, the formula on defense was simple: win upfront and get to Patrick Mahomes as often as possible in order to help neutralize KC’s potent attack.
Obviously, that’s always easier said than done, especially with Mahomes’ ability to escape the pocket, making it important for Tennessee to also contain him.
The Titans are without their 2021 sacks leader in Harold Landry, but they still have a very formidable group with Jeffery Simmons, Denico Autry, Bud Dupree and Rashad Weaver, all of whom have combined for 17.5 sacks.
Simmons (ankle) and Dupree (illness) are both questionable, but there’s been nothing to suggest they won’t suit up.
And, coincidentally, Simmons and Dupree are the most important pieces of the pass-rush, as not only do they make plays, they also open things up for their teammates because of the attention they command and havoc they wreak upfront.
Tennessee is once again short-handed in the secondary, as Elijah Molden didn’t return from IR for this game and Amani Hooker has been ruled out. That makes the performance of the pass-rush even more vital, as coverage will likely be lacking in some spots.
