1. Ryan Tannehill to start
The Titans’ first-year backup quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, was named the starter by Mike Vrabel this week ahead of the matchup against the Chargers.
Can confirm that Ryan Tannehill has been named the #Titans starter vs. #Chargers. @RapSheet Had it first. Marcus Mariota has been relegated to the backup.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) October 16, 2019
Tannehill has played in one game this season, and it was against the Broncos. In that game, Tannehill went 13-of-16 for 144 yards and one interception, but he was sacked four times.
In his career between the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee, Tannehill hasn’t been the most accurate quarterback. In his first five seasons with the Dolphins, he threw 12 interceptions or more each season. His highest number of interceptions came in his second season when he threw 17.
The level of success that Tannehill will see is dependent on how the O-line can protect him. In his brief time on the field against Denver, he went down four times.
Tennessee does have a chance to put up some effective offense against the Chargers. The LA defense has allowed more than 300 total yards per game through their first five games. They allowed their fewest number of yards, 256, last week against Pittsburgh.
So, if Tannehill can get some protection and make smart decisions with the ball, he has a great opportunity to take advantage of the Chargers defense.
If he can get the protection he needs, I expect Tannehill to throw for a touchdown and 250 yards through the air.