The Tennessee Titans passed a crucial test last week by overcoming the Jacksonville Jaguars defense but this week presents an even tougher challenge in the Seattle Seahawks. The Seattle defense is as strong as ever after adding Sheldon Richardson on the defensive line. Unfortunately for Seattle, the offensive line is in such dire straits that they haven’t been able to score much at all. Marcus Mariota had a great game last week catching fire during the second half. Mariota threw a touchdown and completed several deep passes that allowed running back Derrick Henry to find success in the red zone. The Seahawks are a different test as their secondary should make life even more difficult for the Tennessee receivers.
Jacksonville’s defense gave the Titans all they could handle in the first half but their secondary got torched. Seattle’s secondary is much better and more seasoned than Jacksonville’s and Tennessee enters the game without wide receiver and 2017 fifth overall pick Corey Davis. Davis is out due to a hamstring injury. What should also be concerning is that DeMarco Murray might not be available due to hamstring issues of his own. The receiving burden will fall on tight end Delanie Walker as he is the only reliable target Mariota has at this point.
Mariota’s ability to scramble might serve him well but Seattle’s defense is used to that given that they practice against Russell Wilson every day. Richardson along with Jarran Reed, Michael Bennett, and Cliff Avril will give the offensive line of Tennessee and their running game fits all day. Mariota needs to beat Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, and the rest of the secondary in order for anything to happen for this Titans offense. Luckily, the Seahawks o-line won’t give Russell Wilson much time to do anything so this should be a close game. The Titans and Seahawks are at similar places as they have struggled in September. On the plus side, it is great that Tennessee gets to play Seattle this early in the season because September has not been a great month for coach Pete Carroll. If Tennessee can capitalize on the offensive impotence of the Seahawks it will go a long way toward them putting their stamp on the AFC South.