Tennessee Titans: Three Defensive Players to Watch Against the Lions

Sep 16, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) points down the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter across from Tennessee Titans free safety Michael Griffin (33) at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

The Tennessee Titans actual had a decent game on the defensive side of the ball, though they obviously faded toward the end as they’d been on the field for nearly 3/4 of the game. The Titans face yet another high power offense this week when the Detroit Lions come to town. The only thing they seem to have in their favor is the fact that Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford hasn’t been playing his best.

Here’s three Titans defenders whose performances will play a big part in the outcome of this weeks game:

FS Robert Johnson

This guy is killing me. The Titans are playing him way deep to prevent the big play and are leaving a lot of room underneath. The safety needs to be capable of playing close while still being able to cover deep. I haven’t been a fan of RoJo’s and I make a point of making it known every time I write about him. Last week he had an INT slide right through his hands and into those of the receiver, though luckily Verner picked it out of the receivers hands. RoJo is facing much tougher competition this week with the 6’5 Calvin Johnson being out there.

Go big or go home Johnson.

DE Derrick Morgan

Yet another familiar name on this list, Morgan was a handful for the Chargers last week and looked like the guy the Titans thought they were getting when they drafted him. Stafford has thrown 4 INT’s to 2 TD’s. Morgan needs to keep Stafford uneasy and push him out of the pocket, especially considering the fact that he was one of the best receivers in the league he can lob it up to.

CB Jason McCourty

McCourty hasn’t looked all that impressive thus far this year. Last week the biggest play I saw from him was an early holding call. He’s been decent against the run but the Titans really need him to be better in the passing game. McCourty is going to be lining up against WR Calvin Johnson. Johnson already has over 200 yards receiving and has been Stafford’s favorite target thus far. Shutting down Johnson would go a long ways towards a Titans win.

In all reality, I could list the entire Titans defense because that’s how bad things have become. The offense isn’t moving the ball and any slip up by the defense means their on the field even longer than the offense is forcing them to be. These are guys who really need to have a good game.

Who’s on your list?

You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart