|
Two AFC wild-card participants from 2007 meet in a Week One clash that could hold considerable consequences come December. The clubs operate with similar styles, as each is led by a physical, tough defense and features a grind-it-out, ground-oriented running game on offense. Tennessee’s 13-10 victory in the opener did little to derail the Jags’ postseason ambitions in 2007, but the loser in this affair might not be so fortunate in the meat-grinder AFC. The Jaguars will be playing with a heavy heart, as OT Richard Collier was in critical condition Tuesday after being shot multiple times early Monday morning.
Jaguars offense vs. Titans defense: In offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter’s second season directing the Jags’ offense, the vertical element he so badly wants to institute may be a couple of weeks away from being a viable offensive staple as top receivers Jerry Porter and Reggie Williams are getting healthy following preseason hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. It may not be a bad thing to feature a controlled, move-the-chains passing attack, however, seeing as how Albert Haynesworth, Kyle Vanden Bosch and the Titans’ defensive front excel in getting to the quarterback. For as potent a running game as the Jags boast, they’ll have to mix in a healthy dose of traps and gadget runs against the tough Tennessee front as their O-line has been stricken with health issues.
Titans offense vs. Jaguars defense: The inspiring preseason of rookie RB Chris Johnson only served further notice that the Titans’ offense will once again be a run-powered machine. LenDale White and Johnson should form the thunder-and-lightning tandem to complement the omnipresent running threat of QB Vince Young, but they will have their hands full in besting a healthy Jags defense that will routinely stack eight men in the box. The John Henderson-led defensive line is backed by an athletic and deep LB corps that has the speed to match up with Johnson on the outside and the strength to stymie White’s inside game. Also, one of the AFC’s better CB tandems, Rashean Mathis and Drayton Florence, has the ability to match up one-on-one with Tennessee’s underwhelming receivers, so safeties Reggie Nelson and Brian Williams will be given ample opportunities to make things happen in the box. The key will be for the Jags’ rookie D-ends to keep containment on Young and Johnson on the outside.
Special teams: Titans PK Rob Bironas’ sore groin should be healthy enough to allow him to play, a huge positive considering how outstanding he was a season ago. His counterpart on Jacksonville, Josh Scobee, is also dependable. Jaguars KR Maurice Jones-Drew offers more explosiveness on returns than the Titans boast.
|
|
|
