Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns: Matchups to Watch

Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (11) celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Washington Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tennessee Titans upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns features matchups that can decide the game for either side.

Dick LeBeau vs. Terrelle Pryor

Pryor’s transformation from dual-threat quarterback to legitimately solid wide receiver has been pretty amazing to watch unfold. He can run good routes and uses his size and athleticism to wrestle away 50-50 balls from cornerbacks. He’s also been used as a gadget player, taking snaps from wildcat formations and running or passing the ball. He’s a swiss-army knife and a dangerous one.

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With Cody Kessler and Josh McCown both nursing injuries and likely to be ineffective, Pryor might be used more than normal in this game. LeBeau is going to have to have a contingency plan for when Pryor is lined up at quarterback. Coaches usually employ a scout team player to mimic a player like Pryor during practice, so I’m sure LeBeau is already on top of it. But it will be interesting to see how the Titans handle the Browns’ most diverse and dangerous weapon.

Titans pass rush vs. Browns offensive line

The Titans have been getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks often throughout the season. They’ve racked up twelve sacks and taken away five interceptions from quarterbacks. Last week against the Dolphins, the Titans pass rush came into its own with six sacks.

This week, they’ll face either Cody Kessler or Josh McCown. The Browns offensive line has coughed up sack totals of 3, 3, 4, 1, and 2 to start the season. That constant pressure has resulted in five interceptions through five games. Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo should be able to wreak havoc once again this week, making an already easy matchup even easier on the secondary.

Delanie Walker vs. Browns linebackers/safeties

Walker looked back to his normal self against the Dolphins, pasting them for five catches, 66 yards and a touchdown. As if the Dolphins aren’t bad enough against tight ends, the Browns are infinitely worse. They’re easily the worst defense against tight ends, having given up 501 yards on 43 catches with five touchdowns to the position.

Walker has shown to be the Titans’ most reliable and most explosive weapon in the passing game. If Walker isn’t the most targeted receiver on Sunday, I’ll be surprised. The Browns need to be attacked through the tight end position, and Walker is in line for a huge game against them.

Next: Three Takeaways From Week 5