Titans poised to face off against former player fans never expected to hear from again vs Commanders
Does the nickname “McWeapon” ring a bell?
The Tennessee Titans face the Washington Commanders in Week 13, and they'll be tasked with stopping the running threat of an unexpected familiar face.
Running back Jeremy McNichols is slated to get potentially the most run of the season on Sunday for Washington, as Brian Robinson Jr. is banged up and Austin Ekeler has been ruled out. If that name rings a bell, it's because McNichols is a former Titan.
On the long list of former Titans to eventually play against (and potentially terrorize) Tennessee again, Jeremy McNichols isn't anywhere near the top. There's a decent chance you heard his name on a Sunday earlier this year when Washington was a surprise offensive juggernaut and you did a massive double take. I know I did.
McNichols is in his 7th year, and is having his greatest impact to date in Washington. his previous stops include the 49ers, Colts, Jaguars, Titans, and then 49ers again before landing with the Commanders.
Before this season, his only significant stretch of real football came in Tennessee in 2020 and 2021 helping to back up Derrick Henry in his prime. As a Titan, McNichols played in 30 games, tallying 360yds and a TD on 88 carries.
In 2024 with Washington, he's found a new gear in the Kliff Kingsbury system. He's played the reverse RB3/special teamer role, stepping up whenever Robinson Jr. or Ekeler have gone down. He's averaging a career-high 4.9ypc, stacking 217 yards on 44 carries for 4TDs.
Although he'll be playing higher than usual in the rotation against Tennessee in Week 13, the Titans run defense is a brutal assignment for any running back. The Titans run stop is ranked 8th in EPA/rush and total rushing yards allowed.
Brian Callahan won’t admit the biggest reason for optimism surrounding the Titans offensive growth and potential late-season explosion
You can probably kiss a Titans top-10 draft pick goodbye.
