Titans at Lions: What to watch

Friday, October 25, 2024, Vol. 48, No. 43

The Titans are in the middle of what is probably their two most challenging games of the season, having been hammered in Buffalo 34-10 and now heading back on the road to face NFC North power Detroit this week. Here are the keys to what the Titans must do to have a chance to pull off the upset at Ford Field.

First down

Disrupt Jared Goff. Goff has shown he has what it takes to get a team deep into the postseason, and he is enjoying one of his best seasons thus far with the Lions. His 9.2 yards per attempt leads the league, and when you combine that with his 73.9% completion rate, he’s at the top of his game and could have a field day against the Titans if they do not (or cannot) pressure him.

Second down

Score in the second half. The Titans have been dismal in the second half of games this season, especially in the fourth quarter where they have just 12 points. All 12 of those points came against Miami, with nine of those 12 being a gift: a safety and then a penalty that gave the Titans the ball at the 10-yard line late in the game. Something, anything in the second half would be a welcome change.

Third down

Get some turnovers. The Titans’ offense has been generous in giving the ball away, but the defense has just three takeaways all year long with one interception and two fumble recoveries. With the offense struggling, the defense needs to have a do-it-yourself mentality to try and take the football away either with a turnover for a touchdown or at least giving the offense a short field to work with.

Fourth down

Keep experimenting. The right tackle position has been an unmitigated disaster this season. Against Buffalo Sunday, Leroy Watson, who had started the previous week, was a healthy scratch, leaving Jaelyn Duncan to fill that hole. Duncan lasted five snaps before injuring his hamstring, forcing the benched Nicholas Petit-Frere back on the field. The results were predictable, and there appears to be no real solution in sight.