This Titans Veteran Must Step up against the Jets on Sunday!

The Tennessee Titans will look to put an embarrassing loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 1 behind them as the team is set to square off against the New York Jets in the home opener at Nissan Stadium on Sunday.

One of the few bright spots in the Titans' disheartening loss to the Bears was the play of the defense, as Dennard Wilson's unit allowed just 148 total yards and nine points. Tennessee's defense did a fantastic job of making rookie quarterback Caleb Williams uncomfortable in his NFL debut despite the pass rush generating just 12 pressures. Though the Titans' defense played well in Week 1, one defensive player was subpar last Sunday and must step up against the Jets this weekend.

When Arden Key signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Titans during the 2023 offseason, there was excitement around the acquisition, as Tennessee stole Key away from division rival Jacksonville and added a player with a ton of pass-rushing upside. The 28-year-old posted six sacks and 40 QB pressures during the 2023 campaign and is expected to be a pivotal veteran piece on the Titans' defense this season.

Though he wasn't completely nonexistent versus Chicago, Key didn't have the best game to begin his second season with Tennessee. The former LSU Tiger played 42 total snaps, including 24 pass rush, and totaled zero quarterback pressures along with a 9.1% pass rush win rate. Key was also uninspiring in run defense, posting a 38.9 grade against the run and zero defensive stops.

If the Titans want to avoid an 0-2 start, Arden Key must be better against the Jets. The former third-round pick is an incredibly inconsistent player but showed flashes of dominance last season and just needs to put it all together. Harold Landry needs help, and if Key can't provide that help, Jaylen Harrell needs to be given more opportunities.