Titans keys to success vs the Saints
The Titans open the 2023 season on the road in one of the most hostile environments in the NFL. Tennessee enters the game as a three-point road underdog, so the two-tone blue will have to cook up some magic to pull off the road upset. Here are my keys to success for the Titans as they enter Sunday’s bout with the Saints…
Get Burks and Hopkins involved early
The Saints’ secondary is one of the better units in the NFL, so it’s pivotal that Tennessee establishes the passing game early. Burks and Hopkins should be able to easily outmatch Paulson Adebo on the outside, but Marshon Lattimore will be a different story. Early in the game, Tim Kelly has to prioritize getting Burks and Hopkins the ball in the spots they like. Routes across the middle of the field should be the bread and butter for the Tennessee passing attack tomorrow. Lattimore will pose a tough challenge for both receivers, but I have the utmost confidence that both can battle with Lattimore and could be down with some big plays. Burks should be able to eat over the middle. and Hopkins should be able to do the same as well with some outside routes mixed in for the veteran. Establishing the duo of Burks and Hopkins will be key if the Titans want to walk out of New Orleans with a W…
ShutDown the Run game
With Alvin Kamara out with suspension, this should be a pretty easy task for the Titans’ defense. New Orleans’ offensive line is above average, but they have nothing on this stellar Titans’ defensive front. Jeffrey Simmons, Teair Tart, and Denico Autry are going to have their way with the interior of this offensive line, though Andreas Peat will be a tough matchup at LG. The edge rushers will have their hands full with Ryan Ramczyk, but Trevor Penning at Left Tackle shouldn’t be a difficult matchup for Landry or Arden Key. Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller will be the running backs Tennessee faces tomorrow, and that should be easy pickings. Williams scores a ton of TDs but is mostly a goal-line back, and Miller is nothing special. Shutting down this Saints’ passing attack led by Chris Olave and Michael Thomas will be grueling, but the run game should be a non-factor for New Orleans the entire ball game…
Find a way to neutralize Cam Jordan
Cameron Jordan has all the tools necessary to completely wreck this football game. The future Hall of Famer has mastered almost every single pass-rushing move, with finesse and power rushes being his favorites. Andre Dillard will be making his Titans’ debut at Left Tackle and will be matched up against Jordan many times tomorrow. We still don’t really know who will start at RT for Tennessee tomorrow, though all signs are pointing to Dillon Radunz being the guy. Either way, both tackles will have their hands full trying to block Jordan. Bringing in an extra TE to double Jordan would be a smart move on Tim Kelly’s part, as that is the main reason they brought in a guy like Trevon Wesco this offseason. Long story short, the Titans better have a game plan to neutralize the eight-time Pro Bowler or this could be another disaster-filled day for the Titans’ offensive line and Ryan Tannehill…
Don’t fall behind early
This is the most excitement Saints fans have felt in a long time. The Superdome will be rocking from kickoff to the end of the game, so it is key that the Titans don’t fall behind early. Getting Hopkins and Burks involved will be key to doing this, but also controlling the clock with Derrick Henry and keeping the Saints’ defense on the field will be important. If Tennessee falls behind early and puts themselves in a deep hole, there is no coming out with how good this Saints’ defense can be. Start fast, get Burks and Hopkins involved, and control the clock with Derrick Henry. If Tennessee can accomplish these three tasks, there is no way they fall behind early because they will be the ones controlling the game…
Can the Titans win this game? Absolutely! Can the Titans win this game big? Maybe! Could the Titans lose in a blowout? Yes. Many are underestimating the Saints. The Dennis Allen-led squad has a pretty good defense, and the passing attack could give the Titans’ defense problems. The reason I am picking the Titans to win this game is Mike Vrabel. There is no way Dennis Allen is able to outcoach the 2022 NFL Coach of the Year, and that will result in a gritty Titans’ victory!!
SCORE PREDICTION: 20-17 Titans
