4 Ways the Titans Can Come Out of Week 1 Undefeated

How can the Titans win week one versus the Vikings?

            Here are ways the Titans can find themselves 1-0 to start the season.

               Get the run game established early

           If the Titans can do this, there will be almost no problem winning this game. With an established run game, we can control the clock and therefore control the pace of the game. As a team that went 3-13 and had one of the worst run games of any team last year, there isn’t much room to be worse. With the offseason additions of Demarco Murray and Derrick Henry, and the leadership and leg talent of second year QB Marcus Mariota, this team can be potentially deadly from the I-formation.                    

             STOP ADRIAN PETERSON!!!! 

           If we stop AP, the only thing that holds us back from winning, is us. By stopping Adrian Peterson, we stop 90% of the Vikings offense. Without AP, the Vikings have to rely on is the arm of either Shaun Hill or newcomer, Sam Bradford. I don’t think either of them are a threat to our weak secondary, but we will see.

Mark Zaleski/AP

                     Make our special teams presence known 

           By bringing back Marc Mariani, this team has admitted to having a weak return game. I believe that Mariani will bring a good veteran presence to the punt and kick returns. He will also be a good mentor to rookie Kevin Byard. If Mariani can teach Byard how to have better vision when returning balls, Byard might be able to take the job over next season.

             Let Mariota do what Mariota does 

            If what coach Mularkey has been saying about letting Marcus run more, then the opposing defenses are in for a real treat. While Mariota did get hurt last season, none of his injuries came from running. They all came from staying in the pocket. If Mariota escapes the pocket and gets into open space, the other defenses will be in for a long game.

If the Titans can do all of these things, I believe that we will be 1-0 at the end of week 1.

Vikings at Titans Game Preview

Vikings vs. Titans Game Preview

            This matchup between the Tennessee Titans and Minnesota Vikings is proving to be one of the more intriguing matchups in the NFL this weekend, as the Titans seem to have a legit shot in a fairly weak AFC South and the Vikings look to start off on a strong note despite losing their QB for the season. Let’s take a look at some of the key matchups that could play a huge role in determining the outcome of this game.

Tajae Sharpe vs. Terence Newman

            The Titans’ receiving corps seems to be vastly improved from a season ago, largely due to the team’s 5^th round steal in Tajae Sharpe. Sharpe is a speed demon and an excellent route runner out of UMass, and many are projecting him to be the NFL’s most productive rookie receiver and Mariota’s favorite target. Should Sharpe stay healthy this year, you can expect 1000+ yards out of the UMass product.

Sharpe will be challenged, though, as he goes up against 14-year veteran CB Terence Newman. Newman has accumulated 40 interceptions over the course of his career, including three last season, in his first year with the Vikings. This defense was vastly improved against the passing game in 2015, and Newman has a whole lot to do with that.

Newman vs. Sharpe should be an exciting matchup on Sunday as Sharpe looks to start his rookie campaign on a high note against one of the top veteran corners in the league.

Brian Orakpo vs. Matt Kalil

Titans fans are hoping to see a rejuvenated Brian Orakpo in his second year with Tennessee. In 2015, the former 3-time Pro Bowler only managed 7 sacks, the lowest total of his career when he has played in at least 15 games. Orakpo has been very vocal in the offseason and hopes to get back on track against the Vikings on Sunday

            This may be a difficult feat, however, if the Vikings’ left tackle Matt Kalil is able to return to the field after a leg injury. Kalil has also been a Pro-Bowl-type player ever since the Vikings drafted him 4^th overall in the 2012 NFL draft. Kalil has struggled at times with technique, especially in the run game, but he is poised to have the best season of his career so far in 2016.

Titans’ o-line vs. Vikings’ front seven

            The Titans offensive line is one of the most improved units on the roster, perhaps behind only the running back position. The addition of Ben Jones at center will not only be an improvement from a physical standpoint, but also an intangible one. Jones has stepped up as the leader of this unit, and, despite this being just his 6^th season in the league, is the longest tenured veteran on o-line. Jack Conklin, the first-round rookie out of Michigan State, has also been impressive in camp.

            The Titans’ o-line will likely not be extremely challenged by the Vikings’ defensive line, as the most notable name on the list is Sharrif Floyd, the former first round pick out of Florida who honestly hasn’t done much since he was drafted in 2012. The Vikings’ linebackers, however, may pose a legitimate challenge to Tennessee’s running game. They have three guys who have the tackling skill set to be the starting middle linebacker for most teams in this league. Chad Greenway has been one of the best players on Minnesota’s defense for the last decade, and he is aided by two promising young UCLA products in Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr.

Game Prediction

Overall, the Titans new-look “exotic smashmouth” offense may be a bit too much for the Vikes to overcome, especially with an unproven QB under center. Titans will win this one, 31-17.

Michael Chapman, Senior Titans Analyst, Titans Fans Everywhere 

Final Schedule Prediction: Weeks 14-17

What will the Titans final record be?

Will the Titans finish strong in the last four games?

            Quick Recap: At this point, I have the Titans at 7-5 through the bye week. This has them tied for first in the division with the Jaguars. This may come as a shock to most people, but I think the Jags will be a much better team than they have been in years past. Now, let’s get into the final four games of the season.

Week 14

Current Record: 7-5

Opponent: Denver Broncos

Date and Time: 12-11-16 12:00 P.M. *

Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN

Pick: Titans win 27-17

Reasoning:

            The Broncos haven’t compensated for the loss of Peyton manning yet, and I don’t think they’re defense will be enough to stop us. I also think Marcus will have one of his better games of the season. He will have a lead-padding touchdown late in the fourth quarter to seal this game.

Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images 

Week 15

Current Record: 8-5

Opponent: Kansas City

Date and Time: 12-18-16 12:00 P.M. *

Location: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Pick: Kansas City wins 27-21 in overtime

Reasoning:

            The Chiefs and Alex Smith will get the job done against the Titans. This will be a close game that will eventually end in an extra period. This will be one of the hardest games to watch for Titans fans because it will be so close, but they will sadly lose the game.

Week 16

Current Record: 8-6

Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars

Date and Time: 12-24-16

Location: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL

Pick: Titans win and seal the division 34-24

Reasoning:

            Despite the Jaguar being a better team in 2016, I have the Titans sweeping them for the first time since 2008. This is coincidentally the same season the Titans last went to the playoffs and won the division. I have high hopes for this team and I know other people reciprocate the feeling.

Week 17

Current Record 9-6

Opponent: Houston Texans

Date and Time: 1-1-16

Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN

Pick: Titans win 28-20

Reasoning:

            The Titans will be sitting their sophomore starting quarterback this game because the division would have been secured and they wont be able to change their ranking in the playoffs. This will be Matt Cassel proving his worth as a backup. He will be playing as if his job depended on it.

Finishing Record: 10-6

Reasoning:

            The Titans will be a much-improved team in 2016. I believe that what Jon Robinson and Mike Mularkey have done this off-season will pay off exponentially. I genuinely believe these predictions will come true.

            I won’t be posting for a while, but Mike will. While I’m away, remember to Titan Up!!!

-TFEJames

Schedule Prediction: Weeks 9-13

What will the Titans do from week 9 through the bye week?

At 6-2, do the Titans have a shot at the division title?

            Quick Recap: At this point in the season, I have the Titans at 6-2 with two separate 3-0 runs. If they can keep this up, they will be on track for their first division title in 9 years. Let’s see what I predict for the next four games to come.

Week 9

Current Record: 6-2

Opponent: San Diego Chargers

Date and Time: 11-6-16 3:25 P.M. *

Location: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA

Pick: Chargers win 21-10

Reasoning:

            The Titans haven’t won in San Diego since they have been the Titans. The Chargers will be a better team than they were last year because they have really only improved this off-season. The Titans will try to have a big comeback, but will not prevail.

Week 10

Current Record: 6-3

Opponent: Green Bay Packers

Photo: Joe Murphy/Getty Images North America

Date and Time: 11-13-16 12:00 P.M. *

Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN

Pick: Packers win 31-17

Reasoning:

            The Packers are a consistently good team and I believe they will be one this season as well. This won’t be that bad of a loss compared to the 2012 massacre the cheese -heads dealt out on the Titans. I feel that the Titans will not have enough in their tanks after a loss in San Diego and will ultimately fall short in this contest.

Week 11

Current Record: 6-4

Opponent: Indianapolis Colts

Date and Time: 11-20-16 12:00 P.M. *

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

Pick: Colts win 24-23

Reasoning:

            Even though I have the Colts being the last place finishers in the division, I don’t think they will be bad enough to get swept by the Titans. This will be a heartbreaking loss for the Titans, but I don’t think it will be bad enough to keep us out of the running for the division.

Week 12

Current Record: 6-5

Opponent: Chicago Bears

Date and Time: 11-27-16 12:00 P.M. *

Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

Pick: Titans win 35-20

Reasoning:

            The Titans are going to win this game because they will need to. If they want to stay in the running for the division, they will have to win games that many people won’t think they will win. Kevin Byard will have two of his four interceptions I have predicted he will have (Read Bold Prediction about Kevin Byard).

Week 13

Bye Week

Analysis:

            The Titans bye week this year comes at an unusually late date. This will be a much-needed week off after the team has been going strong for 12 straight weeks. I believe they will come out of this bye week stronger and better.

Current Record: 7-5

Next Games Up:

Vs. Denver

@Kansas City

@Jacksonville

Vs. Houston

            My final record predictions will be up in the next few days. In the meantime, tell us what you think of our blog so far. If you like it, give it a follow. Also, Titan Up!

-TFEJames

Titans Player Group Profile- Receivers

What will the receivers look like in 2016?

What will the receiving core look like this season?

            Let’s take a gander at what the starting receivers will look like this year along with the backups, or lack there of.

            To start it off, we have many wide receivers on this team currently. I am only predicting the six I think we will keep.

(Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports)

            At starting WR we have Rishard Matthews and Tajae Sharpe. These are two receivers who were not on this team last season. We acquired Matthews in free agency and Sharpe in the draft. I usually would want to stay away form new comers being in the starting lineup, but from what I have seen from these two receivers, they are worthy of starting spots.

            I only consider the first two receivers in the lineup “starters” even though others may be in the game when it starts.

            In the second string role, I have Kendall Wright. Kendall is a very fast and agile player. I have him in this “second string” role because he is more of a slot receiver. If Sharpe and Matthews can take some of the pressure off of Wright, he could become one of the biggest threats to the secondary.

            To fill in the last three roster spots, I have Dorial Green-Beckham, Harry Douglas, and Justin Hunter. DGB is falling in the depth chart due to his inconsistency in practice this off-season. If he can become more consistent, he will gain more trust from the coaches, and eventually gain a starting spot.

            Douglas is a lot like Kendall Wright, but he is slightly slower. He will stay on this team for good depth in this position and will get quite a bit of playing time. The only reason I don’t have him in a starting role is because Matthews and Sharpe have been showing many signs of being great threats down field, which Douglas is more of a slant route kind of guy.

            Justin Hunter is a player who has a lot to prove this season. This is a contract season for him and he hasn’t been producing enough to guarantee himself a roster spot for years to come. I don’t think the Titans want to get rid of a former second round pick, but they will if he doesn’t improve this season.

Who doesn’t make the cut?

            I only have two receivers not making the cut this season, Tre McBride and Andrew Turzilli. I have McBride making the team as a special team specialist, not as a wide receiver. They might list him as a WR, but he wont be playing much at that position this year.

            So here it is, my starting lineup prediction for the wide receivers. My next article will be up tomorrow. I hope you have enjoyed this series so far. If you have, leave a comment, give it a share, or give us a follow on the blog. I hope you have had a wonderful time reading our articles, and I hope you have more wonderful times reading other articles. In the meantime, Titan Up!!!

-TFE James