Tennessee Titans: 3 Bears to Watch VS the Titans
Oct 7, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) and outside linebacker Lance Briggs (55) during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE
The Tennessee Titans have a mountain to climb if they hope to upset the visiting Chicago Bears this Sunday. The Bears have the same stout defense they’ve been known for while the Titans are still struggling to find a rhythm on offense. Here’s who I’m worried about Sunday:
DE Julius Peppers
Five sacks, three recovered fumbles, and 6 feet 7 inches worth of trouble. Peppers should present a pretty big challenge for LT Michael Roos, who’s coming back after having his appendix removed and missing last weeks game. The Titans have found success running the ball to the left side of the field. It’ll be a key matchup between these two stars.
WR Brandon Marshall
I’ve followed this guy since his Denver days. The Bears got him for a heck of a deal this offseason. He currently has 675 yards with 4 touchdowns. When Marshall has his head in the game and wants the ball, he gets the ball. He’ll likely be lined up against Titans CB Jason McCourty. McCourty dropped an easy pick last week, which woud have been his 3rd of the season and made it three consecutive games with a pick. It’ll be interesting to see if McCourty can find a way to make a play on the ball again. It’ll also be interesting to see which Marshall shows up to play.
CB Tim Jennings
A former Indianapolis Colt, the Bears have found the best way to use this guy and he has turned into a turnover machine. Jennings has 6 INT’s on the season thus far. Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck can’t put much zip on the ball and his accuracy variates between spot on and “who in God’s green earth was that for?” If Hass gets sloppy with the ball, Jennings could pick up his 7th pick of the year, if not more.
In the end, this could be a close game, or the Bears could put the Titans over their knee and spank them.
Here’s me holding my breath, hoping for the prior.
You can find me on Twitter @JustinLStewart