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Tennessee Titans: Reasons for optimism and concern vs. Buccaneers

By Michael Moraitis

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fumbles a snap during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fumbles a snap during a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Vita Vea of Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks out prior to the NFL match between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Vita Vea of Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks out prior to the NFL match between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) /

Concern: Bucs’ run defense

As I’ve said time and time again this season, the Titans must do a better job at establishing the run early in games. It’s been all too common to see Derrick Henry get off to a slow start, which is a product of poor run blocking — and to a lesser extent, bad play calling by the offensive coordinator — by Tennessee’s offensive line.

Henry might have an even tougher time than usual this week, as the Bucs sport the No. 1 run defense in the league. Normally, you’d like to see the Titans establish the run first and then build off of that en route to success through the air, but Week 8 might see the Titans do the opposite based on this matchup.

Even if the Titans can throw the ball with success early, the Bucs can stop the run with their impressive defensive line alone, led by Vita Vea and Ndamukong Suh. Both of those players can be a disruptive force upfront in their own right, which is a concern for a Titans offensive line that has been particularly bad on the interior.

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