Tennessee Titans: Reasons for optimism and concern vs. Chiefs
![KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 24: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during pre-game warm ups, prior to a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Arrowhead Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 24: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during pre-game warm ups, prior to a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Arrowhead Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Ftitansized-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1163751293-850x560-40000c0c4d4471612d7664c3fe86f6bb2abaa37871444fc11693a267d86095db.jpg)
Concern: No Malcolm Butler
The Titans placed cornerback Malcolm Butler on injured reserve on Tuesday, ending his 2019 season. In his place, Tennessee will likely deploy fellow corner LeShaun Sims, who was abused by Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans en route to 198 yards and two touchdowns in Week 8.
Rest assured, the Chiefs are going to try and go after Sims, which is extremely problematic when you consider the slew of options head coach Andy Reid has at his disposal to do it.
Of course, public enemy No. 1 for the Titans should be star receiver Tyreek Hill, but the Chiefs can also go after the hole in Tennessee’s secondary with the likes of wideouts Sammy Watkins, Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson.
The Titans’ secondary will already be overwhelmed with the amount of talent the Chiefs have in their receiving corps., which will only be exacerbated with the absence of Butler.