Tennessee Titans Top Three Defensive Players to Watch Versus the Patriots
Aug 11, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; NFL: Tennessee Titans defensive end Kamerion Wimbley (95) stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Tennessee, 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE
The Tennessee Titans are going up against one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL when they face the New England Patriots Sunday at LP Field. Their defense is going to have to be firing on all cylinders to contain them.
That being said, there are certain Titans whose specific performance could be the difference between a loss and a win for the Tennessee Titans.
Here’s the three I’ve picked out:
DE Kamerion Wimbley
When the Titans brought him in during the offseason, they did it with the full intention of him revitalizing a rush defense that ranked last in the league. Wimbley performed well during preseason and in the season opener against the Patriots, he will be facing LT Nate Solder, who has struggled in his switch from RT.
The Titans can’t afford for Brady to sit in the pocket for as long as he wants and it’ll be up to the defensive line to make sure that doesn’t happen. Wimbley has a great shot at being a very disruptive force against the Patriots.
MLB Colin McCarthy
Colin McCarthy is a turnover machine, there’s no if’s, and’s, or but’s about it. The Titans will need that skill, as well as his coverage, seeming as the Titans are going up against the TE duo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
McCarthy has a knack for finding the ball and does a great job of reading a play as it progresses. He’ll be a big part of the Titans defensive effort on Sunday. Hopefully he keeps doing his thing.
CB Alterraun Verner
Verner has slid into Cortland Finnegan’s old spot and should end up matched against the Patriots slippery receiver Wes Welker tomorrow. Last season Welker had 122 receptions for 1,569 yards and 9 touchdowns.
That’s a lot.
Though Welker probably won’t repeat those numbers this season, he’s still and integral part of the Patriots offense and will see his fair share of looks. If Verner is able to lock him down it’ll go a long way towards a Titan victory.
The Titans defense will have to function together well as a whole to beat the Patriots on LP Field, but these three guys especially have their work cut out for them. If they can step up and do these things, the Titans have a much better chance of winning.
You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart