The Tennessee Titans have a huge test in Week 9 when they host the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, this Sunday at 12:00 p.m. CDT.
There aren’t a lot of reasons to be optimistic about the Titans this season, and it’s really unfortunate. There has to be some kind of organizational breakdown that is preventing this team from improving, because it’s not just injuries or coaching. This week is likely to be more of the same, as the Chargers are quietly having a decent season. They aren’t without flaws, of course, but will Tennessee be able to exploit them?
Let’s take a look at six keys to a Titans victory in Week 9.
Feed Tyjae Spears
Tyjae Spears missed the first four games of the season with an injury, but since his return, he has been a bright spot on the offense. He’s averaging 5.5 yards per carry compared to Tony Pollard’s 3.9, and Spears is more efficient than Pollard. He should have at least 15 touches against the Chargers this week, and the Titans need to feed him early and often.
Disrupt Justin Herbert’s rhythm
Herbert leads the NFL in passing yards, but he has the fourth-most interceptions in the league with seven. The Titans are quite capable of getting a takeaway; they have five fumble recoveries and four interceptions through the first eight weeks. The offense simply hasn’t capitalized on those opportunities. If T’Vondre Sweat, with help from Cody Barton, Dre’Mont Jones, and Cedric Gray, can generate pressure without Jeffery Simmons, they’ll be able to force Herbert into making a mistake.
Capitalize on home-field advantage
The Chargers are traveling and changing time zones, which affects every human’s rhythm and energy. It’s no different for football players, and it’s likely the Chargers have a slow start to the game on Sunday. The Titans have to take advantage of this and start fast. They must put points on the board first and back the Chargers into a corner.
Chimere Dike, Gunnar Helm must win matchups
Cam Ward can throw an accurate and well-placed ball, but it won’t matter if his receivers don’t catch them. Chimere Dike has emerged as Ward’s No. 1 target, and Gunnar Helm caught a touchdown last week. Calvin Ridley is out again, leaving the rookies to their own devices. If Ward accurately targets his guys, they have to win their matchups and produce against a vulnerable secondary.
Neutralize the Chargers’ edge
This is kind of like protecting Cam Ward, something we talk about almost every week. The Titans’ offensive line has allowed 34 sacks, the most in the NFL. The Chargers have players like Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu, who are top-tier edge rushers. J.C. Latham and Dan Moore Jr. have to hold up against the edge, or Ward won’t have time to operate, and drives will be dead before they start.
Cam Ward must protect the football
Ward has shown growth, but he’s still prone to risky throws under pressure. He’s thrown five interceptions and is responsible for a few fumbles. The Chargers thrive on short fields and momentum swings, to the Titans have to protect the football on Sunday. A turnover-free game is essential.