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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 – OCTOBER 06: Sheldon Rankins #98 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a sack during the second half of a NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on October 06, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 06: Sheldon Rankins #98 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after a sack during the second half of a NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on October 06, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

Optimism: Key injuries to Saints’ defense

Prior to the Week 15 game against the Colts, the Saints were forced to put defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and defensive end Marcus Davenport on season-ending injured reserve.

Davenport, who was second on the team in sacks, is a key loss to the Saints’ pass-rush and one less guy off the edge that the Titans have to account for in protecting Ryan Tannehill. Not having Davenport around means it’ll be a bit easier to focus on stopping the Saints’ No. 1 pass-rusher, Cameron Jordan.

Rankins, on the other hand, was a force as a run-stopper on what has been an elite New Orleans run defense this season.

Granted, the Saints are quite accustomed to overcoming adversity with injuries this season, but their defense just isn’t the same without two players who aren’t easily replaced.

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