Four Tennessee Titans to keep an eye on in Week 7 vs. Browns
It’s always a great week coming off a win, and even better this week after beating the Indianapolis Colts for the first time since 2011. Marcus Mariota looked great while not being able to use his mobility, aside from the impressive pick six by John Simon, and the Titans defense made adjustments, limiting the Colts offense to just three points in the second half.
This week, the Titans will take on the winless Cleveland Browns and have a chance to go into the bye week on a two-game win streak and a winning record at 4-3. Here are four Titans to watch against the Browns this week.
Brian Orakpo
The pass rush has been nonexistent this season and Brian Orakpo has just one sack this season. Last season, he had 10.5 sacks, and we need to start seeing that Brian Orakpo once again.
Also, there is a chance Derrick Morgan doesn’t play this week and that will make Orakpo that much more important. The good news, however, is DeShone Kizer has been sacked 12 times in five games and has a tendency of holding on to the ball too long. This could be the perfect week for Orakpo to get back to his Pro Bowl level.
Tennessee Titans
Jurrell Casey
Jurrell Casey has two sacks in the past three games, but he still hasn’t quite been the dominating force we usually see. Ever since he was drafted, you could expect to see Casey in the backfield constantly blowing up plays.
Of course, the Browns will want to establish the run on early downs with Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell. However, Casey will need to be the man leading the charge in stopping the run and putting the Browns in third-and-long situations.
Marcus Mariota
Marcus Mariota has been used a lot in our “players to watch,” but he is just so important each week and we must see how much more mobile he is after being very limited in that aspect last week.
This week, he has been listed as a full participant in practice and that is a great sign. It is almost certain that he still wont have any designed run plays, but there could be a chance he scrambles for a few yards if he has the opportunity.
Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry is coming off a career high in yards and carries and there is a chance that he could see even more playing time on Sunday. DeMarco Murray has some tightness in his hamstring and could be out against the Browns, after only practicing in a limited capacity just once this week.
If Henry has another great game, this could open the door for him to take over as the lead running back going forward.