Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) carries the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Larry Foote (50) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Tennessee Titans won 16-9. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
They’re still figuring out who they are offensively. On the ground, Chris Johnson is always a threat to have a breakout run. This year they have new comer Shonn Greene to bring, like Houston with Tate and Foster and change of pace back to share the load and keep defenses on their heels. Jake Locker has improved over last season and showed poise in their win against the Steelers. The biggest concerns offensively for the Titans are which Chris Johnson shows up? CJ2k or the Chris J. that landed a big contract and then had a dismal year. CJ2K is going to need to bring his game if the Titans want to keep this game from being placed on the shoulders of Locker and his arm.
The defense was very effective against Steelers, but Houston has a completely different style of play with two tight end formations and plenty of play action passing to keep the defense from stacking the box like they did against Pittsburgh. Bernard Pollard got a lot of time near or on the line in last weeks game, but this week he’s likely to be tested in coverage as the Texans are familiar with their former players strengths and weaknesses.
That doesn’t mean the Titans fear the Texans, in fact during an interview with the Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean Titans defensive tackle Jurrell Casey had this to say about Sundays game: “We’re going to go out there and make sure we put our foot up their (butt). Sorry about the cuss word.” That’s one Titan’s player whose rearing and ready to go. Coverage of the Texans tight ends and of course, Mr. Andre Johnson will be high on Tennessee’s list of things to do this week. Oh and stopping Houston from getting the ground game going to open up the deep bomb play action routes. The Titan’s lack the firepower to get into a shootout with Houston thus will have to rely heavily on their defense to get stops while chewing away clock with their running attack.