Titans reasons for optimism and concern vs. Raiders in Week 14

KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 01: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs up field after catching a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - DECEMBER 01: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs up field after catching a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 20: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders stiff arms Adrian Amos #31 of the Green Bay Packers in the second half at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 20: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders stiff arms Adrian Amos #31 of the Green Bay Packers in the second half at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

Concern: Darren Waller

One of the biggest weaknesses the Titans’ defense has had this season is defending against tight ends. We saw that again in Week 13 against the Colts, as Jack Doyle went for six catches for 73 yards and a touchdown, which was his best game of the 2019 season.

Well, Tennessee will have to deal with one of the best tight ends in the NFL in Week 14.

And that is Darren Waller, who has emerged as an elite player at his position this season. Waller leads the Raiders in targets (87), receptions (66) and receiving yards (807), and he’s found the end zone three times in 12 games.

Adding to that, Waller is second to only Travis Kelce when it comes to receiving yards at the position. In Week 10, Kelce totaled seven receptions for 75 yards and a score against the Titans.

Waller is basically a wide receiver playing tight end, and he is a deep threat who can make explosive plays whenever the ball is in his hands. Waller will be the second-best best tight end Tennessee faces this season and his ability to wreck a game can’t be overlooked.

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