The Tennessee Titans head to Pittsburgh this Saturday to dance with the Steelers, one of the favorites to win the AFC this season. The game takes place at 3PM CST, and Vegas favors the Steelers by four points (if you’re into that sort of thing). It’s the preseason, sure, but the Titans are 0-2 so far, and their depth has left a little to be desired. This is commonly known as the big dress rehearsal for the regular season, so expect to see the starters play well into the game. Now, how much Mike Vrabel, Matt LaFleur, and Dean Pees elect to actually show in this game is a different question. But, as far as preseason games go, it’s a big game, and there are plenty of guys to keep an eye on.
Offense
Dalyn Dawkins – The Titans suddenly have some decisions to make at running back. Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis are locks, but beyond that, there’s an interesting battle going on between Dawkins, David Fluellen, and Akrum Wadley. Wadley got his shot in Week 1 of the preseason. We know what we’re going to get with Flu Season, and he’s looked good as of late. But, Dawkins is the guy who’s forcing his way into the conversation. He’s practiced well, he looked great against the Bucs, and if he gets a significant shot on Saturday, he could very well force the Titans into keeping four backs.
Luke Falk – Earlier in the offseason, keeping three quarterbacks seemed an inevitability. But, Falk has played that directly into doubt. It’s a shame, because the guy looks good in drills. He throws a beautiful, catchable ball. But, when the heat is on, he’s yet to go off. Falk has outright disappointed so far. Now, could he earn a spot on the practice squad? Sure, but as tight as other position battles are, the Titans may elect to roll with two quarterbacks in favor of keeping someone else. Not sure how many reps Falk will get in this game, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Anthony Firkser – Philip Supernaw’s injury created a race for the 4th tight end spot. Firkser seems to have that locked up, but if the Titans don’t keep four tight ends, it does him no good. Firkser will have to keep making the most of his opportunity to either force the Titans to keep him as a 4th tight end, or perhaps push Luke Stocker for the third spot. Jim Wyatt has an excellent write-up on Firkser here.
Marcus Mariota – It’s likely the most we’re going to see out of Mariota before the regular season. I don’t expect LeFleur to tip his hand too much, but I will be looking to see how comfortable Mariota looks and how well he’s able to execute on what they do show us on Saturday.
Taywan Taylor – Taylor had a huge game against the Bucs last week, but what can he do for an encore? Does he continue to ride this wave of momentum and establish himself as one of Mariota’s top targets?
Defense
Jayon Brown – Brown is one of the offseason standouts so far. But, where some have dipped off, he only seems to be getting better. We’ll see if he’s able to start truly pushing Will Compton for the starting ILB job next to Wesley Woodyard. Brown is a guy who should see plenty of work on Saturday.
Josh Carraway – The heat is on Carraway considering the performances of Harold Landry and Sharif Finch so far this preseason. And, given that Aaron Wallace has gotten some first team reps opposite Derrick Morgan in Brian Orakpo’s absence, Carraway looks to be the odd man out. So, he’s running out of opportunities to make a case for himself.
Dane Cruikshank – He returned to the practice field this week. While Kendrick Lewis has looked good, the Titans are definitely facing issues at safety. So, Saturday will be a chance to hopefully gauge where Cruikshank is at. Not only health-wise, but as far as learning the defense.
Sharif Finch and Harold Landry – I’m grouping these guys together because what they’re doing is so similar. Rookies adding teeth to a pass rush that has been a bit dormant in recent years. I’ve seen a couple of guys insinuate that this could be the next wave of great Titans pass rushers. I’d say pump the brakes – it is the preseason – but, I’m not going to hate on anyone for enjoying the show. I’m eager to see what these guys do next.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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