Tennessee Titans: Reasons for optimism and concern vs. Buccaneers

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: Jameis Winston of Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches the ball during the NFL game between Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Jameis Winston of Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches the ball during the NFL game between Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Optimism: Jameis Winston

While the Titans certainly have to respect Winston and wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on a Bucs passing offense that currently ranks top 10, Tampa Bay’s signal-caller has been turnover prone to say the least through six games.

Winston has thrown 10 picks this season, second only to Cleveland Browns quarterback, Baker Mayfield. Adding to his woes, Winston has also fumbled the ball fives times, losing one of them. In Week 6 before the Bucs’ bye, Winston totaled an astounding six turnovers, five via interception. As a whole, the Bucs have the fourth-most giveaways in the NFL.

Protection has been another issue for the Bucs. Winston has been sacked 25 times, tying him for the most any single quarterback has taken, along with Mariota. The Titans should be able to get pressure on Winston, and that should lead to plenty of opportunities for Tennessee’s elite secondary to make plays on Sunday.

What the Titans can’t afford to do is allow Winston to sit in the pocket and pepper Evans and Godwin with easy targets or else it could be a long afternoon for Tennessee.