The Tennessee Titans (0-2) are set to host the Las Vegas Raiders (0-2) in a battle of the winless through the first two weeks of the season.
You could also make a strong argument that this is a battle between two of the most disappointing teams through two games.
Nonetheless, this isn’t your typical game between two winless teams. Both of these franchises made the playoffs in 2021 and both had high expectations going into this year.
More importantly, both teams fully plan on pulling themselves out of this winless hole sooner rather than later.
Another loss tomorrow for either club makes their goal of a turnaround much harder to accomplish, which is why this game will likely be a dog fight for four quarters.
Neither team wants to start the year with an underwhelming 0-3 record, and you’d have to imagine that both teams will be playing like it.
There are several key matchups that will help to decide this one, so let’s take a closer look at four of them that we believe will have the biggest impact on tomorrow’s outcome
Titans’ passing attack vs. Raiders’ pass defense
AP Photo/Adrian Kraus
This is a matchup the Titans must exploit when it’s all said and done. Last Monday, they faced a stingy Bills defense that hasn’t even allowed a 200-yard passer throughout this short season.
This weekend offers a much more favorable matchup for Tennessee as the Raiders come to town with their 29th-ranked passing defense.
Las Vegas is currently allowing an average of 274.5 passing yards over its first two games. According to Sports Info Solutions (SIS), the Raiders are also allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete an average of 68.7 percent of their passes.
Their linebackers and safeties in particular seem to be the occasional liabilities in pass coverage.
They currently have four defenders who are allowing opposing passer ratings over 90 when targeted: LB Divine Deablo (152.8), S Roderic Teamer (94.4), S Jonathan Abram (93.8), and LB Jayon Brown (92.4).
On the contrary, cornerback Rock Ya-Sin has been a steady presence for Las Vegas. He’s only allowing a completion percentage of 36.4 when he’s the primary defender, along with a stout 17.2 passer rating when targeted.
As for Tennessee, they must start featuring their most talented weapons more frequently. Robert Woods and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine have only combined for a measly 78 receiving yards and seven catches this season.
This offense has to do a better job…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Titans Wire…