Tennessee Titans vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers: X-factors for each team

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants is hit by Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants is hit by Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Jeffery Simmons.
(Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /

Tennessee Titans defensive X-factor: Jeffery Simmons

I don’t like to repeat names, but just like the Barrett had to get the nod for the Bucs, Simmons has to get the nod for the Titans.

The fact that he is going to play snaps against a backup guard on one of the least effective and least talented offensive lines in the NFL, is truly nightmare fuel for the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Last week Simmons walked away from the game playing 33% of the snaps and still managed to have a monster statline of 1 sacks and 2 TFLs. He has earned a bump up in snap count and he is likely going against a worse lineman (or linemen) this week with a QB who isn’t afraid to take a sack.

I don’t want to count chickens before they hatch and I don’t want to act like any DT in the NFL not named Aaron Donald should be a lock for a sack per week. Still, it is really hard to temper expectations after one of the most dominant rookie debuts we have ever seen when you know exactly what he is going to get a chance to go against this week.

Focus all your attention on 98 when he is on the field and just enjoy the show.