Important Match-Ups: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings
Aug 23, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Colin McCarthy (52) watches his team play against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at LP Field. The Titans beat the Cardinals 32-27. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US PRESSWIRE
The Tennessee Titans (1-3), travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings (3-1), this Sunday. Kick-off will be at 4:25. The Titans hope to “upset” the surprise Vikings team and pick up their second win of the season.
Now lets take a look at some important match-ups:
MLB Colin McCarthy vs. RB Adrian Peterson
This match-up should get any football fan excited. The hard nosed, playing-making leader of the Titans defense should return to the defense this weekend. His first week back won’t be an easy one, with the Vikings having an all-pro running back in Peterson. McCarthy and the other young LB’s will have to plug holes, and play a physical brand of football to slow down the Vikings running game. This match-up is the kind McCarthy relishes as the enforcer of this defense. Look for plenty of collisions between McCarthy and Peterson this Sunday.
QB Matt Hasselbeck vs. DE Jared Allen
Matt Hasselback is starting this week after Jake Locker re-injured his left shoulder last week against the Houston Texans. He is considered one of the best back-up QB’s in the league and the Titans need him to step up in Locker’s absence.
Jared Allen is one of the top pass-rushers in the NFL and he leads a defensive group that has been one of the best at getting to the QB, since his arrival. Hasselbeck will have to be quick and smart with his reads, not only to avoid the sack, but to get the offense into a rhythm. Last week the run game got going but the passing game faltered and the ball was turned over too many times. Those same mistakes cannot be repeated if Tennessee wants to have a chance at winning this game.
Kenny Britt vs Health
Britt was not able to play last week and is questionable this week because of an ankle injury. The Titans need him on the field, not only because of his play-making ability, but to free up space for CJ, Wright, Washington, and Cookie. The Titans need to get their play-makers rolling if they want to have any chance at turning this season around.
It’d be a shame if we couldn’t see two of the NFL’s young guns, in Locker and Ponder, face each other this week. If the Titans can establish the run game early, cut back turnovers on offense, and not allow 38 points(AGAIN) this week, they should be able to put themselves in position to win the game.
Lets Go Titans!
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