So – what’s behind the big start for the Titans – what’s been the biggest factor driving the success of the team?
First you have to say Ryan Tannehill. He’s proven that last year wasn’t a fluke. He’s playing at an MVP caliber right now – he’s the biggest reason they are 5-0.
Of course Derrick Henry too – he had a huge game last week with over 200 yards rushing and took over. But Tannehill is on the top of the list.
What’s changed for him?
It’s a better system for him. It’s a run-first offense. They throw quite a bit but it fits into his strengths, with play-action to Henry. The system has elevated his game – it’s just been a great fit for him.
I noticed that over a third of his completions have been to his tight ends – tell me a bit about that tight ends unit.
It’s a really good trio of tight ends. Jennu Smith can play on role they ask of him. He had an ankle injury in last week’s game but he should be able to play. He’s a freak athlete who can play in the slot, on the line and even in the backfield at times. He’s good on screens – he’s a jack of all trades.
Anthony Firkser is a top-notch backup too and had a breakput game last week. He’s not as good of a run blocker but he’s a big threat in the passing game.
MyCole Pruitt is their best run blocker – he should be active for the game too – he was n the Covid list and is one of the best blocking tight ends in the league.
How big of a concern is it losing Taylor Lewan heading into the Steelers game?
It’s a big concern. He’s a premier left tackle and every good team needs one. They have had to have Ty Sambrailo come in a few times for him during the season for some plays and I expect he’ll start this week. But they may consider moving start8ing right tackle Dennis Kelly over to the left tackle spot as he’s now their best tackle and protecting Tannehill’s blind spot is so important, and then moving Sambrailo over to right tackle.
The defense has been suspect but has forced a lot of timely turnovers. What’s been behind their ability to do so?
They have been very opportunistic with the turnovers – very lucky getting tipped passes and that sort of thing. They have been the key in stopping the defense from blowing up their season. They haven’t been good – especially the secondary. Without their starting corner Adoree’ Jackson they haven’t been the same – they have no one now to lock down a receiver.
The turnovers have been the big reason why the defense hasn’t blown games for the team. But it hasn’t been good.
What does a coach like Mike Vrabel bring to the Titans?
He’s a former player and connects with his players on a much deeper level. He’s a player’s coach – they love playing for him.
He also has a high intelligence level. You saw that last week when he intentionally took a too many men on the field penalty to give the Texans a first down they likely would have gotten anyway. That ended up saving about 40 seconds on the clock and the Titans tied the game with seven seconds left.
Looking at the game – what do you see the Titans doing to contend with the Steelers pass rush?
They have to do something with Lewan out – using the screen game will be big. They’ve been really bad running screens but they need to work on that and fix that this week.
I expect Henry will have a tough time running against this defense. I can see a lot of short passes over the middle – a lot of quick passes to tight ends. They can’t expect Tannehill to sit on the pocket and have time to go downfield. They’ll need to shorten the offense a bit.
I think the big advantage the Steelers will have on defense is against the tackles. The Titans may need to keep a tight end to help out at left tackle some, but even on the right side with Kelly they can have some trouble. They have a second year right guard, which may be one reason they wouldn’t move right tackle Kelly over the left tackle. But Tannehill doesn’t make many mistakes – the only way I think he does is if the pass rush puts him under fire.
Conversely, what can the Titans do to slow down the Steelers offense?
They need to get pressure on Roethlisberger. He has too many talented wide receivers like Claypool who has been all-world the past few weeks. They have to help out that secondary somehow. I think they’ll dial up some blitzes – they have only had six or seven sacks this year. The pass rush hasn’t been good. I can see some corner and safety blitzes to mix things up and get pressure on Ben.
Any predictions for the game?
I think the Titans are running into a buzzsaw on Sunday. I don’t see Henry going off against Pittsburgh and I’m not sure how they keep the pass rush at bay all game.
I think it’ll be a close game, but I don’t think the defense can keep the Steelers offense in check. I think it’ll be something like 24-20 and the end of the road for the Titans perfect start.
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