Meaningful football has returned for the Tennessee Titans.
The team travels to FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday to take on what appears to be a much-improved Cleveland Browns team, led by quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Many Titans turned in a strong performance throughout the preseason, but will have their first chance to put it all together and show what they bring to the table in one that counts this weekend.
Here are three Titans players to turn your attention to on Sunday.
1. TE Delanie Walker
Walker hasn’t been quiet about those who doubt his ability to return to the offensive force he was before last season’s injury, nor has he been shy about the amount of hype surrounding the Browns.
After a solid showing in limited action during the preseason, expect Walker to open the coming season in dominant fashion.
2. QB Marcus Mariota
On the fifth and final year of his rookie deal, Mariota’s prove-it season starts on Sunday.
The Titans did a fine job of giving Mariota a better supporting cast through the 2019 NFL Draft and free agency acquisitions, so he’s got a lot more to work with than he did last season.
There’s also a sense of continuity with the promotion of former tight ends coach Arthur Smith to offensive coordinator.
Mariota looked mostly good in what little we did see of him this preseason, and the Titans will hope their offensive line turns in a better performance than it did the last time he played.
3. WR Adam Humphries
The Titans aimed to give Mariota more weapons in the 2019 offseason, and Humphries may be the best of them.
Coming off a career year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the slot receiver looks to continue expanding into a larger role with the Titans. He had a strong camp and preseason, but will be put to a real test in Week 1.
Expect Mariota and Humphries to find some chemistry in the matchup.
