Tennessee Titans Vs. Detroit Lions: Important Match-ups

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 (0-2) face the Detroit Lions (1-1) this Sunday at L.P. Field.  It will be the first time former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz returns to Nashville. Stephen Tulloch and Kyle Vandenbosch also return to face their former team.

Let’s look at some important match-ups this Sunday:

Titans Offensive Line Vs. Detroit Defensive Line

– The Titans’ offensive line has been horrific in this young season. Chris Johnson has 21 rushing yards and last week Locker never had much of a pocket to work with. They face a formidable defensive line that includes the likes of Suh, Vandenbosch, and Avril. Look for the Titans to take advantage of the, at times, overly aggressive line, who can get out of position by getting too far up field. If the line doesn’t step their game up on Sunday, it could mean another home loss for the Titans.

Jason McCourty Vs. Calvin Johnson

– McCourty got paid this off-season for these kind of match-ups. Calvin Johnson is arguably the best wide-out in the game; if McCourty can have a solid game against Johnson, it would be huge for the Titans defense. The Lions are a one-dimensional offense; the more they run, the better.

*Side Note: Safeties have to be in better position, to help the corners, or Johnson could explode.

Titans Offense Vs. The Clock

– Last week against the Chargers the Titans had below 16 minutes of time of possession. That’s horrific. Locker and company have to maintain drives. A huge part of this is can be attributed to the lack of a run game. If CJ can’t get it going again, Locker will have to be more efficient so that the Titans can maintain drives:

1: So hopefully we can score more than one touchdown per game, and

2: So that the Titans defense isn’t worn down by the time the fourth quarter comes around.

This game is huge for the Titans. It’s their second home game and if they don’t win, they will fall to a pitiful 0-3. If this teams is on the rise, and I believe they are, they will show some signs of life and get the 12th man excited this Sunday in Nashville.

Let’s Go Titans!

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