5 things you need to know about the Titans vs. Lions in Week 8

Stop if you have read this before. The Tennessee Titans owned a first-half lead in a game and couldn’t come up with a victory. That took on a new meaning last week at Buffalo as Brian Callahan’s club scored the first 10 points of the game, and allowed the Bills to score the final 34 points of the contest.

Callahan’s team has dropped two straight since returning from its off-week. The 1-5 Titans are off to their worst start since opening 1-6 in 2015. Things don’t get any easier this Sunday when they take on the Detroit Lions in the Motor City, who own the longest current winning streak in the NFC.

All-Time Series Record

There’s obviously not a long history between these two franchises which first met in 1971. However, the Oilers/Titans have not only prevailed in the 10 of the previous 13 meetings, the franchise has prevailed in the last six encounters between the organizations dating back to 2001. The teams last met in Nashville in 2020 and the Titans rolled to a 46-25 victory. As for the last clash between these clubs in the Motor City, the Titans managed a 16-15 win.

Quarterbacks: Tale of the Tape

On Friday (via Nick Suss of The Tennessean), Callahan spoke about the team’s starting quarterback. “We kind of have a pretty good idea of where we’re headed. We’ll be ready to play on Sunday with them. It’s either (Will Levis) is starting or he’s not. He’ll be inactive if he’s not starting.” Hence, Mason Rudolph could get the nod for the second straight week. He threw for one score but committed two turnovers at Buffalo.

The first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft seemed to be an afterthought when the Lions and Rams basically swapped starting quarterbacks in 2021. Jared Goff has hit his stride since being dealt to Detroit, and the nine-year pro is off to a blistering start in ‘24. He’s hitting on a career-best 73.6 percent of his throws for 1,810 yards, 10 scores and only four picks. Detroit’s offense has generated 22 TDs in six games.

Defensive Analysis

Tennessee entered Week 8 as the league’s number-one ranked defense in terms of fewest yards per game allowed. However, Dennard Wilson’s unit did not look like the NFL’s best last week at Buffalo, giving up season-highs in total yards (389), offensive TDs (4) and points (34). This team has failed to mount a consistent pass rush, and continues to have issues forcing turnovers. So much for that top ranking.

The Lions are known more for their offense these days, while their defense seemingly goes along for the ride. That was certainly the case last season, and Aaron Glenn’s unit has had similar issues in 2024. Detroit ranks 27th in the league vs. the pass, which was what Detroit ranked in this category in ‘23. The difference has been that this group has been more bend but not break. The club has allowed just 11 offensive TDs.

Keys to the Game

Titans: Regardless if it’s Levis or Rudolph behind center, the latter seems much more likely, taking care of the football is obvious. The Titans have turned over the ball 12 times in six games, with two or more miscues in four of their games. All of Tennessee’s turnovers have come via Levis (10) and Rudolph (2). The Lions have 11 takeaways, with safeties Brian Branch and Brandon Joseph picking off four passes apiece.

Lions: Avoiding a letdown after last week’s come-from-behind win at Minnesota may be easier said than done, especially against a team that has won only once this year. Add in the fact that the NFC North leaders head to Lambeau Field next week for a showdown with the Packers and Dan Campbell must keep his team focused on the task at hand. Detroit has totaled a combined 120 points in their last three games.

Titans Player to Watch

With wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s time for Calvin Ridley to step to the forefront. He was general manager Ran Carthon’s biggest offseason addition on offense, inking a four-year, $92 million deal with the club after spending one season with the Jaguars. In 2023, he finished second on the team with 76 catches, but led the club in receiving yards (1,016) and TD grabs (8).

There has been nothing that resembles that kind of performance so far this season. In six games, Ridley has been targeted 36 times and totaled 12 receptions for 183 yards and one score. He has also run for a score. Obviously, more was expected, especially with former Jaguars’ passing game coordinator Nick Holz now the Titans’ offensive coordinator. He should be able to rack up some numbers vs. the Lions’ iffy secondary.