NFC Game Of The Week
Tennessee Titans at Los Angeles Rams
Titans: Sunday was a big win for them. In a game where they primarily struggled, they were able to buckle down and get themselves back in the game. Why I say this was so big was because it was their second game against the Indianapolis Colts and with the win, they not only own the tiebreaker, they also gave themselves ample amounts of space in the division. While the win was good and everything, they would end up suffering a big loss with the unfortunate injury of Derrick Henry. This is such a big loss for them because Derrick is the Titans offense. He accounts for about 80 percent of their offense to be exact. As a former defensive player, the game plan changes now that he isn’t on the field. With Derrick in the lineup, you always need a safety or two to always play inside the box. With him commanding so much attention, it allows A.J. Brown and Julio Jones to see many one-on-one looks. Now, that’s about to change. The safeties will play back deep in coverage and A.J. or Julio (if he’s healthy) will see a lot of double looks such as cover two with a safety over the top supporting the cornerback. Remember on the radio, I said nobody wants to hold onto the “best in the league title”? Right now, the Titans would be the one seed in the AFC if the playoffs started today. On Sunday night, they make a trip to the West Coast.
Rams: Since they lost to the Arizona Cardinals in week four, they have been rolling since. There were some contested battles, but wins are wins, correct? In an NFC that’s been stacked this year with the Green Bay Packers, an improved Dallas Cowboys team, the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and you have Sean McVay and his team right in the thick of things as one of the best teams in the conference. On Monday, they made the biggest splash the day before the trade deadline with the acquisition of all-pro defender, Von Miller from the Denver Broncos. So, let me explain something to you. Facing Aaron Donald is one thing. He’s the greatest defensive player in our game today and continues to show it. Now, you must worry about Von coming in and creating havoc also. Then, you still have Jalen Ramsey in the back end. I’ll pray for any offense that will face this defense and pray hard. This move told me two things: One, the Rams are in “win now” mode. They are trying to become the second team ever to play in the Super Bowl in their own stadium. The other is they are really trying to separate themselves from everyone in the NFC. The offense is one of the best in the league already with Stafford leading things. He’s never had a defense with the caliber of players this one has. They’re back home on Sunday night.
Titans X-Factor: Kevin Byard– This is a safety that doesn’t get much respect in the league. Anytime he gets his hands on the ball, he’s trying to catch every single one. Kevin is a ballhawk that wants the ball each time he’s on the field. He has a way of sitting in “center field” and coming away with the pick. What has separated him from other safeties in the league is the range he plays with.
Rams X-Factor: Tyler Higbee– He’s another weapon for Stafford. Out of every pass catcher the Rams have, Tyler is the one that presents the biggest mismatch. He’s 6’6 and 255 pounds and moves like a wide receiver at times in space before catching the ball and with the ball in his hands. The only way he’s being stopped is if he’s double teamed. That’s it. Tyler is that sneaky weapon that can get behind coverages to get open.
Final Thoughts: This game had all the hype leading up to it. One, it’s the only matchup on the schedule with winning teams paired up against each other and the other reason was two of the best players in the league would be featured in this game, Derrick Henry and Aaron Donald. That won’t happen now obviously. A.J. Brown, this is your time to shine! However, you’ll be commanding more attention now with Derrick out! I’ll be also watching Ryan Tannehill closely. This offense can function and operate as far as he can take them. I see Stafford and Kupp having a big game because the Titans don’t have that one corner that can shut down their top receiver. I didn’t like the way Tennessee looked last week in Indianapolis. The Rams haven’t been tested much since week four when they fell to Arizona. The Rams defense is key here. If they shut down A.J. and the Tennessee rushing attack, they’ll be fine. I can’t wait to see what we get from Tennessee.
Prediction: Rams 28, Titans 17
