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3 key players who can help Titans keep Lamar Jackson in check

By Ravi Konjeti

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 24: Adoree' Jackson #25 of the Tennessee Titans waves his hands after breaking up a pass attempt to D.J. Chark #17 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - NOVEMBER 24: Adoree' Jackson #25 of the Tennessee Titans waves his hands after breaking up a pass attempt to D.J. Chark #17 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Rex Burkhead #34 of the New England Patriots carries the ball against Rashaan Evans #54 of the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Rex Burkhead #34 of the New England Patriots carries the ball against Rashaan Evans #54 of the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter of the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Rashaan Evans

Rashaan Evans posted his best game as a pro against the New England Patriots. Evans had 10 tackles, and three of those tackles were for loss. With teammate Jayon Brown going down early, Evans took a bigger role in the Titans defense. Evans’ impact was never more visible than late in the second quarter when the Patriots were at the one-yard line.

Twice, Evans was able to tackle the running back for a loss that forced the Patriots to settle for a field goal rather than being able punch it in for a touchdown that would have given the Pats a 10-point lead. Evans consistently showed his run-stopping ability that is going to be vital against the top-ranked rushing offense in Baltimore.

Evans will be asked to do a lot against the Ravens this week. On option plays, Evans will have to consistently make the right play to stop the ball carrier. Jackson and Ingram have perfected the option this year, making it one of the most potent plays for the Ravens.

While edge rushers and interior linemen will be asked to take out the running back, Evans will need to act as a spy to shadow Jackson.

Evans will need to match the speed of Jackson first and foremost. Jackson has highlight reel after highlight reel of making players miss in the open field. Evans, who is a fantastic tackler, will need one of his best performances to limit Jackson’s big plays.

With Jackson’s threat as a passer, Evans will also be asked to play in pass coverage to take out the middle of the field to opposing tight ends. Andrews is tied for second in the league in receiving touchdowns behind Lions WR Kenny Golladay.

With Brown’s availability for the game on Saturday still up in the air, the Titans will lean on Evans to be the two-headed showstopper that he was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft for. If Evans can show some ability to limit Jackson, then it will aid the Titans in defending against the other playmakers on the Ravens’ offense.

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