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Titans reasons for optimism and concern vs. Saints in Week 16

By Michael Moraitis

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 15: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 15: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 16: Wide receiver Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 16, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 16: Wide receiver Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates after a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Mercedes Benz Superdome on December 16, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Concern: Michael Thomas and Saints’ passing attack

If Brees’ outdoor splits don’t continue to hold true in this game, the Titans could be in for a long day on defense, as we saw with the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.

New Orleans owns the No. 7 passing attack in the NFL this season, and a normally opportunistic Tennessee defense will have a tough time creating opportunities for turnovers against a Saints team that has thrown just six interceptions (Brees has four) all season (tied for fourth-fewest).

To make matters worse, New Orleans has a flew of weapons to beat the Titans with. Michael Thomas is, in my opinion, the best receiver in the NFL, with a league-leading 1,552 receiving yards, a full 200 more than the next closest receiver. His eight touchdowns through the air are tied for the third-most.

Even if the Titans focus on stopping Thomas, they still have to be concerned with a do-it-all back like Alvin Kamara, and a tight end like Jared Cook, who is as athletic as they come at a position the Titans have struggled to cover this season. And don’t forget the always tricky Taysom Hill, who can burn opposing defenses both on the ground and through the air.

Tennessee can’t afford to have tunnel vision on Sunday, with New Orleans sporting a bunch of players that can burn you.

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