Why the Tennessee Titans match up well with the Chargers
The Tennessee Titans have had their fair share of struggles over their current three game losing streak, but looking ahead to Sunday's big game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Titans might have found a good matchup to turn things around. On paper, the Chargers talent level is overwhelming. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Joshua […]
The Tennessee Titans have had their fair share of struggles over their current three game losing streak, but looking ahead to Sunday's big game against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Titans might have found a good matchup to turn things around.
On paper, the Chargers talent level is overwhelming. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Joshua Palmer make up one of the more intimidating and dynamic receiving corps in the league. They all have good size and athleticism with the ability to beat you for the big play.
Their quarterback, Justin Herbert, is a polished passer with good mobility in the pocket and an abundance of confidence. Herbert is not afraid to make the dangerous throw, and his big arm can swing the game at any moment. Any time the big play isn't available, Herbert's check down can make something happen. The Chargers' running back, Austin Ekeler, can do it all. Ekeler is likely going to surpass 100 receptions and 1,600 scrimmage yards on the season as the focal point of their offense.
So with all that talent, not even mentioning Khalil Mack, Derwin James, or the potential return of Joey Bosa on the defensive side of the ball, how is it possible that the spiraling Tennessee Titans match up well with the Chargers?
Depleted Defense
With J.C. Jackson and Joey Bosa on Injured Reserve and impact defenders Derwin James and Bryce Callahan questionable to miss Sunday's game, a depleted defense has been a real liability for the Chargers in 2022.
Los Angeles' defense is in the bottom five in a number of key defensive categories including yards per play (5.60, 30th), rush yards per play (5.40, 32nd), rush yards per game (147.0, 28th), and points per game (25.1, 28th).
This defense is built to run against. Isiah Pacheco, James Conner, and Josh Jacobs have all had 100 rushing yards performances against the Chargers within the last month.
This is the kind of game that Tennessee could find a way to control by establishing the run with Derrick Henry and avoiding negative plays. The Chargers are also struggling to effect opposing quarterbacks, and if the Titans can keep Ryan Tannehill upright and stay on schedule offensively, this matchup could allow for some more points on the board than the Titans have been used to.
Similar Struggles
The Chargers have struggled all season with converting in the red zone and keeping their foot on the gas by scoring points in the second half. Sound familiar?
How about a head coach that simply points to "execution" as the reason for his team's inability to succeed on offense in the second half of games? Here's a quote from Chargers head coach Brandon Staley earlier this week when asked about his team's second half woes:
"The common theme for me is just execution," Staley said. "When I think of our lack of production, that's what I think of. It comes down to execution and staying out of negative plays, sack, penalties. It just has to be cleaner coming out of the second half."
Yes, that's a real Brandon Staley quote, but if you told me it was Mike Vrabel who actually said that, I'm not sure I could refute that either. These are two teams with two very similar problems that may level the playing field for the Titans on Sunday.
Typically, it's hard to win in the NFL when you give up sacks, get penalized, and do not take advantage for your rare scoring opportunities. But if there was ever a time for the Titans to overcome their pathetic second half performances and get an edge in the "negative play" category, it would be against a team that has dealt with the same problems.
Something is going to have to give. Maybe this is the exact matchup the Titans needed to get things on the upswing before the end of the season.
Image via George Walker IV / Tennessean.com-USA TODAY NETWORK
