After what we’ve seen from the Tennessee Titans to start the 2022 season, it’s hard to have any optimism that things will get better.
The offense has been bad, both on the ground and through the air, mostly because the offensive line has stunk. It also doesn’t help that offensive coordinator Todd Downing is simply a bad play-caller.
The part of the team that was supposed to be the most reliable, the defense, has been bad, also. The unit has allowed a whopping 62 points in the last six quarters of play, including allowing a 41 spot to the Buffalo Bills in Week 2.
The Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is certainly a more favorable matchup than the one the Titans had in Week 2, but this game presents several difficult challenges for the Titans to overcome.
We’ll try to keep the glass half full with some reasons for optimism, but we’ll also take a look at the reasons for concern going into Week 3.
Optimism: Raiders’ defense
Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
After facing the best run defense in the NFL last week, the Titans will get a bit of a reprieve this week, as the Raiders sport the No. 16 run defense in the NFL, allowing 109.5 rushing yards per game.
Last week, Las Vegas surrendered 115 rushing yards and five yards per carry to Arizona Cardinals running backs.
The Titans desperately need to get Derrick Henry going, as doing so not only keeps the ball out of the hands of the Raiders’ dangerous offense, but it also helps setup the play-action and passing game overall.
Las Vegas has been even worse against the pass, ranking No. 29 in the NFL and giving up 274.5 passing yards per game.
While the Raiders’ middling or worse showing on defense is all well and good, it won’t mean a damn thing if Tennessee’s group upfront doesn’t improve.
Concern: Titans’ offensive line
Syndication: Democrat and Chronicle
The Titans have only allowed three sacks this season, two of which came in Week 2 against the Bills. However, it feels like Buffalo should’ve had a lot more, as quarterback Ryan Tannehill was under constant pressure all night. Tennessee’s group upfront allowed 14 pressures in total on Monday.
His second interception not withstanding, Tannehill was actually solid when given time to throw, so pass protection remains one of the the biggest roadblocks for this offense, along with shoddy play-calling.
Making matters worse in pass protection, the…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Titans Wire…