Tennessee Titans: Top-five defense will carry the Titans to a win

The Tennessee Titans offense isn’t getting it done, but the defense is. Look for Mike Vrabel to rely heavily on his defense to win vs the Chargers.

Last Sunday, the Tennessee Titans elevated a mile high in Denver to face the Broncos. However, things went south as the offensive line and quarterback position looked foolish against a subpar team.

The Titans ended up having to bench fifth-year franchise quarterback, Marcus Mariota, for veteran backup Ryan Tannehill. The biggest question heading into this week was: who will start at quarterback? Mike Vrabel, controversially, went with Tannehill and gave his explanation of why.

"“We’re trying to get a little spark, trying to evaluate what we’re doing and how we’re functioning as an offense,” Vrabel said, via Times Free Press."

Will that move spark the offense? It is not often that changing the scenery at QB sparks a team, but it does happen.

The last time it happened for the Titans, they went with Vince Young at quarterback, benching starter Kerry Collins after an 0-6 start in 2009. The Titans finished that season 8-8 and falling short of the postseason.

Here’s to hoping history repeats, well, except the falling short of the postseason part. The Titans defeated the Chargers in 2013 for the first time in 20 years when Justin Hunter caught a miraculous game-winning touchdown from Jake Locker.

But, enough of the past, let’s look at where both teams are now and determine the most logical outcome of the game. Both teams enter this game at 2-4, which for both is a huge disappointment as each team had high expectations coming into the season.

The Titans defense, which ranks 8th in the NFL, goes up against an 18th ranked Chargers offense. That is one huge Titans’ strength going up against the Chargers’ weakness.

The Chargers rushing defense ranks 22nd in the NFL, which bodes well for running back Derrick Henry as he looks to bounce back from a rough week in Denver.

Titans’ 16th ranked rushing defense will have its work cut out for them as they face Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler, two really talented running backs. They will get no break in the rushing game on Sunday.

Looking at those statistics, the Chargers’ weak spots just so happen to set up the Titans’ strengths well. On offense, look for a big day on the ground for Henry as he gives the Chargers rushing defense fits.

Expect 80+ rushing yards tomorrow, with a touchdown, on about 20+ carries as they will depend on him to try and relieve Tannehill.

For Tannehill, expect a game-managing day for him. We will probably see him get around 200 yards passing and one touchdown on minimal passing attempts because Henry will be featured a lot.

On the defensive side, that’s where it gets fun. The Titans defense will be heavily relied on by the Titans. The offense hasn’t been doing so hot, so the coaching staff will want to rely on the defense more often. Expect a handful of sacks on Rivers, at least three.

The Titans have done a fantastic job at shutting down opposing stars, so Gordon and Keenan Allen will have quiet days, which would all but eliminate the Chargers’ injury-riddled offense. That will all culminate into a low-scoring game: Tennessee Titans 20 Los Angeles Chargers 13. 

Let’s hope Tennessee can get back on track tomorrow, because if not, a 2-5 start would all but end their season. And that would be the ultimate disappointment.