Tennessee Titans Top Three Offensive Players to Watch Versus the Patriots

Aug 11, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) looks for an open receiver during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Tennessee 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE

The Tennessee Titans have just as much work to do on the offensive side of the ball as they do on the defensive and if they want to win they’ll need some consistency from their offense.

Here’s the top three Titans (on the offense) that need to show up tomorrow for the Titans in order to pull out the win:

QB Jake Locker

Locker put up a mixed performance during preseason that certainly has me anxious heading into Sunday’s game. He’ll have to be smart with the ball and not force the ball. Belichick is going to be bringing blitzes at him and try to throw him off his game. If Locker can make good, accurate passes and not make poor decisions it will go a long way towards the Titans winning this one.

The O-line

So this is a group of Titans, but I couldn’t just single one out. We know they should do just fine in the pass department, but the run department is where I’m worried. Have they actually gotten any better since last year? If preseason is an indication of anything, then they haven’t. The Titans can’t purely rely on the passing game so these guys have to show up. If they can get the run game going, things are going to be much easier for Locker.

WR Kendall Wright

Kenny Britt is gone and Locker needs somebody to help him feel comfortable. Wright needs to be able to break free of coverage and give Locker some sure hands to throw to. Sharp routes, sure hands, and a little burner speed is what the doctor is ordering. It may be a bit much to order from a rookie wide receiver in his first real start, but if he can step up it will help pick up the slack left from Kenny Britt’s absence.

While the defense is in for one of it’s biggest tests of year, the Titans can’t win if they don’t score. It’s also hoping for a miracle if the Titans think their defense will do such a good job that it won’t matter as much if the offense doesn’t perform well. The Titans need to at least match the Patriots high-power offense and the three Titans I picked out are going to be the huge parts of this teams success tomorrow.

Time to shine, Jake. It’s Locker Time.

You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart