The annual 3rd preseason game tune up will take place place tonight between the Tennessee Titans and the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’ll be another hot one, but storms could dampen the party, so keep that in mind.
Now, the Titans don’t have as many injury questions this week. Jonnu Smith and Derrick Henry returned to practice last week, with both not being too limited in capacity.
Derrick Henry has a chance to play, but we won’t find out if he’s going to play until later on.
Mike Vrabel says it’s great to get Derrick Henry back at practice a little bit, but won’t commit to playing him in the preseason.
Says it was also great to get Jonnu Smith back today. #Titans @NC5 pic.twitter.com/5NGG2CMn2U
— Steve Layman (@SteveLayman) August 19, 2019
Don’t count on Harold Landry playing though, as he hasn’t practiced all week. Mike Vrabel has said that he’s kept Landry out of practice and games by design, but this past week, he said they’re in the process of getting Landry back.
Which could be an indicator that he’s hurt.
Vrabel said the @Titans are working to get Harold Landry back on the field as quickly as possible.
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) August 21, 2019
Others that might not play include Jurrell Casey, Cameron Wake, and Jonnu Smith.
We also don’t know how much playing time the starters will get. Although I wouldn’t expect it to be much, I’d still keep a watchful eye on it.
Enough of my thoughts though. Here are 3 things to watch for as the Titans take on the Steelers tonight in primetime.
1. 1st Team Offense; With Potential Full Lineup?
This past week, the Titans had their full 1st team offense in practice for the first time since the early days of training camp. AJ Brown had returned the previous week to practice and play against the Patriots. All that was missing was the 6’3 250 pound battering ram in Derrick Henry.
Henry had been nursing a calf injury since the 1st day of camp and didn’t practice again until last week. This offense looks quite different with him on the field. Having Henry’s now physical run style and adding in the dynamics of a modern passing offense the Titans have needed, and you have something that could be really dangerous in your hands.
We don’t know if Henry will play tonight, but if he does, I would think he’d share the 1st team reps with Dion Lewis. Just to keep Henry’s workload light and keep him fresh for the opener in Cleveland.
As for the 1st team offense as a whole, you’d assume that the staff wants a faster start than last week. The Titans’ starting offense took 3 drives to finally score against the Patriots’ defensive backups. You want quick start from the starters, and keep them in bubble wrap until week 1.
2. The Continued Development of AJ Brown
AJ Brown got his first taste of NFL game action last week against the Patriots. He didn’t have a catch, and only 1 target, but he came out the game healthy.
Brown figures to be a big part of an offense that desperately needed pass catchers. His ability to line up in the slot and even on the boundary will be a big compliment to the Arthur Smith led offense. But let’s not forget, Brown is still and rookie, and it bound to face some challenges as he adjusts to the league.
So if Brown doesn’t get off to some sort of a eye opening start, don’t be alarmed. He’ll get there and will be a force in this offense for years to come. He can get a jump start on being that force tonight. Against a Steelers secondary that isn’ the best.
And I’m putting that nicely.
Watch out for Brown to try to take advantage of that underwhelming Steelers secondary, and make a couple plays tonight
3. Outlook on Roster Hopefuls.
There are a handful of players fighting for a spot on an already stacked Titans roster. Titans WR Kalif Raymond didn’t build on his success in week 1, but has a chance against the Steelers to make an impact and open some eyes.
Isaiah Mack has had the best preseason out of any Titans roster hopeful, and it could lead to a roster spot for him. Mack notched a sack last week against the Patriots, continuing his chances of playing in week 1. Look for him to get plenty chances tonight.
Kareem Orr is the last roster hopeful that I’m keeping an eye on tonight. Orr has made some great plays in practice and therefore has caught the attention of the staff. He might be on the inside looking out as of now, considering he doesn’t get much special teams snaps.
Watch out for these 3 tonight.
Where to watch tonight’s game:
TV: NBC(The game will be aired using the sky camera)
Online: nbcsports.com
Radio: 104.5 The Zone
