Are you ready for a physical, sweaty, heated football game?
Okay, okay, I’m sorry, sweaty might’ve been a little TMI. But if you want any word to describe the way this game might be, it’s physical.
The Titans love to run the football, massive understatement of the year. They have a defensive end running the football and he’s having the start he’s ever had in his 4 year career in Tennessee. He’s rushed for 581 yards and 5 TDs so far, and could be in line for a big game tomorrow.
The Panthers employ one of the NFL’s worst rushing defenses, allowing opponents an eye opening 135 YPG. It isn’t all bad for the Panthers defense though, their passing defense only allows a mere 215 YPG and they’re top 5 in INT’s across the league.
You should surely know what this means.
Let’s explore my 5 things to watch for and find out.
1. Derrick Henry’s Potential For a Big Game
As mentioned above, the Panthers have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL.
The Titans love to run the football.
The Panthers are very stingy when it comes to pass defense.
The Titans’ passing game is a literal horror to watch.
What does this mean?
It means we’re headed for an inevitable clash of who can be better at what they do best. Derrick Henry is having a great season so far, and has the chance to add on in a very big way.
It really will depend on how Arthur Smith decides to utilize Henry. Will he line Henry up behind big, heavy sets and run him into 7,8 man boxes? Or will he at least attempt to spread it out and let Henry attack lighter boxes.
The former will have to come with some sort of passing success though, more on that later.
Watch out for Henry, as he’s going to be looked at as one of the main reasons for a potential Titans win.
2. Do Your Best to Quiet Christian McCaffrey & Pray
Christian McCaffrey is an official gamechanger, a player that can make defenses nervous whenever he gets his hands on the ball.
So what can you do to limit his impact on the game? In reality, not much.
McCaffrey is at the center of a new wave of running backs that are exceptional in the passing game. Whether that’s reliable hands or being able to run routes like top tier WR’s, McCaffrey stands at the top of RB’s being able to change the passing game.
The Titans have 2 young, talented ILB’s who can step up and try to take on the challenges that McCaffrey presents. But no matter the talent Rashaan Evans and Jayon Brown have, I just don’t think they can limit McCaffrey’s limitless talent.
We’ll see how it all works out though, but for me, I expect McCaffrey to have his usual pawprints all over this game.
Pun intended.
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