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Titans vs. Chargers: Reasons for optimism and concern for Tennessee

By Ravi Konjeti

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: Joey Bosa #97 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 29: Joey Bosa #97 of the Los Angeles Chargers warms up prior to the game between the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Titans QB, Ryan Tannehill.
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 29: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans warms up prior to an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

Optimism: A change at QB

I was never a firm believer in quarterback Ryan Tannehill; however, after seeing the anemic Titans offense under Marcus Mariota for six weeks, it is time for a change. Mariota was horrific against a depleted Broncos secondary. He turned the ball over with two interceptions and missed open receivers all game long.

Once Mariota was pulled in the third quarter, Tannehill was able to sustain drives, finishing the game 13-of-16 for 144 yards. While Tannehill won’t jazz up the offense instantly, he has the opportunity to provide consistency that the Titans offense is looking for.

Teams constantly stacked the box to stop Derrick Henry and forced Mariota to beat them. With Mariota unable to take advantage of the single safety coverage, it became easy for defenses to stop the run-heavy Titans offense.

While I don’t expect that to change against the Chargers, teams will need to respect Tannehill’s ability to move the ball through the air.

Tannehill showed last week that he can connect with the Titans receiving corps. Given a full week to prep, a tailored gameplan, and a full game under center, I expect Tannehill and the Titans to come out with a different look.

If Tannehill can show the same accuracy, then it will open up the offense for Henry to carve up the Chargers rushing defense that is giving up 120.5 yards per game on the ground.

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