Breaking down the Titans offensive matchup vs Steelers defense
By Brady Akins
An X-Factor
Titans fans have been witness to the coveted Jonnu Smith Breakout Season that we’ve all been waiting for in 2020. And in Week 7, Smith has the chance to build on his terrific play over the first six weeks.
Despite a quiet game in Week 6 that ended early due to an ankle injury, Smith has quietly been a playmaking, scoring machine at tight end that the Tennessee offense needs. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill clearly trusts Smith, targetting him 29 times in the team’s first five games, and Smith has been able to pay off that trust– turning five of his 19 catches so far into touchdowns.
And when Tennessee takes on the Steelers this Sunday, they’ll be granted the unique opportunity of being able to attack the middle of the field while Pittsburgh’s star middle linebacker Devin Bush is out with an injury. Bush has excelled in coverage over his first five games– and having him on the sidelines could create a matchup problem that the Titans could exploit.
Smith, more than anything, has proven himself to be as explosive a tight end as the NFL has. Getting him the ball in space has caused havoc for defenses, and will need to create those kinds of opportunities for Smith in order to fully take advantage of this defense. Expect to see plenty of Jonnu Smith in Week 7, early and often.