Though the Tennessee Titans certainly made some adjustments to the secondary, it could be a great day for the Oakland Raiders’ passing game on Sunday.
If you like offense and strong front-seven play, then you should be a big fan of how the Oakland Raiders versus the Tennessee Titans game could shake out in Nashville in Week 1. Oakland has an excellent offensive line, a vaunted aerial attack and a knack for winning close games away from home.
Tennessee has a dominating power running game, an elite offensive line and has one of the better run defenses in football. That being said, both teams definitely have their issues in the secondary. Like Oakland, Tennessee has made several changes to its defensive backfield this offseason.
The Titans drafted former USC Trojans standout Adoree’ Jackson in the first round. They also signed two savvy veterans in free agency: safety Johnathan Cyprien formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars and cornerback Logan Ryan formerly of the New England Patriots.
For Tennessee to get into the AFC playoffs, the Titans will have to improve outside the numbers on both sides of the ball. Offensive continuity should be key in helping third-year quarterback Marcus Mariota take his game to new heights in 2017. However, the Titans are about to run into an aerial assault buzz saw in Week 1, courtesy of the Silver and Black.
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Though the Raiders have a new offensive coordinator in Todd Downing, the former Oakland quarterbacks coach should have a more free-flowing offense. This will allow Derek Carr to really thrive as a passer in year four. He loves to use his on-field creativity when a play breaks down.
Oakland has a bevy of reliable wide receivers in Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Cordarrelle Patterson and Seth Roberts. Let’s not forget how the tight ends could factor in all of this. It won’t just be Jared Cook as the lone receiving tight end in Oakland. Lee Smith and Clive Walford will be catching some balls as well this season.
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Overall, Tennessee should be able to rise to the occasion in the secondary at some point. It just won’t be against the Raiders in Week 1. While Cyprien and Ryan graded favorably last year according to Pro Football Focus, 88.9 and 83.1, respectively, those numbers came about playing complementary roles in good NFL secondaries in Jacksonville and New England.
Both should be good players for the Titans, but they will have to carry this defensive backfield until Jackson is ready to be a great player in this league. Though free safety Kevin Byard graded decently last year with a 78.9, nickelback LeShaun Sims was terrible at 45.9.
In short, the Titans can be exploited with three-wide receiver or two-tight end sets by the Raiders passing game. This may not be the game that Downing leans on the improved ground game for Oakland. Tennessee should be rock solid in stopping the run once again. However, the Titans are vulnerable through the air.
Next: 5 reasons Raiders at Titans is best Week 1 game
With Carr having presumably a ton of time behind a great offensive line, he should be able to pick apart this Titans secondary. As long as he throws with timing and precision, he could have himself a marvelous Week 1 performance. This is a game where Carr could throw for well over 300 yards and a handful of touchdowns. If he’s on his game, this could be a great Week 1 victory for the Raiders.