The Titans are now 2-7 after a road loss to the Los Angeles Chargers (6-3). Last week, the Titans managed just 289 yards against a stiff Chargers defense despite earning 19 first downs and Will Levis not turning the ball over for the first full game in 2024.  The run game was effective but seldom used, garnering only 21 carries and averaging 6.3 yards per carry.  Levis, Pollard, Tyjae all went over 40 yards and averaged 4.5 yards per carry. On a less than positive note the offensive line surrendered 7 sacks, and that will be a focal point coming into this week vs a Vikings defense that has 30 sacks in 9 games.  In the passing game, Levis was ale to keep the hot streak alive for Ridley, targeting him 9 times and connecting for 5 catches 84 yards and 2 TDs.

On defense, the Titans were not able to sack Justin Herbert on any of his 24 dropbacks, despite registering 9 pressures on the day and narrowly missing a strip sack fumble by Big Jeff (Jeffery Simmons) that was later ruled an incompletion.  Herbert was able to complete 14 passes for 164 yards and 2 TDs in one of his lower volume performances on the season.  The Chargers controlled the line of scrimmage by committing to the run in a Greg Roman special, running for 145 yards on 39 carries.  No ball carrier surpassed 55 yards and they were not effective on a per carry basis but they ESTABLISHED it, and won.  Jack Gibbens led the team in tackles recording 15 and playing all 59 snaps on the day.

It was a winnable game, but the Chargers controlled the line of scrimmage and shortened the game, methodically inching their way to victory by keeping Will Levis out of rhythm and running the ball to minimize their risks.

Sunday’s Keys To Victory.

• 3rd Down Conversions- 3 for 9 last week, allowed 4/10 conversions
• Offensive line protection 7 sacks allowed on 33 dropbacks (Vikings have 48 total (sacks + hits) disruptions in 2024)
• Minimizing Aaron Jones and Justin Jefferson’s explosive plays
• Disrupting Sam Darnold’s rhythm
• Will Levis using the RBs as safety valves vs Flores’ exotic looks.

Fantasy Players to Watch

• Tony Pollard and Tyjae snap counts, is this back to a 50/50 share after Tony playing about 65% of the snaps
• Calvin Ridley ELITE usage since Deandre Hopkins trade:  39, 33, 34% target shares in last 3 games
• Can another Titans pass catcher have relevance in a game where Levis will likely drop back 40 times?
• TJ Hockenson is BACK 9 targets on 46% of snaps
• Make Jordan Addison the star of this passing attack