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Tennessee Titans: Reasons for concern and optimism vs. Broncos

By Michael Moraitis

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 29: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos looks on before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 29: Outside linebacker Von Miller #58 of the Denver Broncos looks on before a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 06: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a third quarter touchdown with Taylor Lewan #77 against the Buffalo Bills at Nissan Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Buffalo defeats Tennessee 14-7. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 06: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a third quarter touchdown with Taylor Lewan #77 against the Buffalo Bills at Nissan Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. Buffalo defeats Tennessee 14-7. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Optimism: Broncos run defense

The Titans are a run-first team, and that just so happens to be the biggest weakness for the Broncos defense. Denver is allowing 126.4 rushing yards per game, the 11th-worst mark in the NFL this season.

As for the Titans, they’ve been a middle-of-the-road rushing offense. Coming into Week 6, the Titans rank 16th in the league with 115.6 rushing yards per game. While that’s an OK number, Tennessee was better in 2018, ranking seventh in the NFL with 126.4 rushing yards per contest.

With the Broncos owning the fifth-best mark in terms of passing yards allowed per game (202.2), the Titans must establish the run early and often if they’re going to be able to move the ball between the 20’s — and that’s especially true when you consider the difficulties Tennessee has had in blocking opposing pass-rushers in 2019.

In Week 5 against the Bills, running back Derrick Henry had just five carries in the first half. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith must make sure that changes in Denver, or else it could be another long and depressing day for the Titans offense through the air.

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