The Tennessee Titans will face the Chicago Bears in the preseason finale, giving them one more chance to build some in-game chemistry before the start of the regular season.
While some players are still battling for final roster spots, the Titans starters will have one last chance to get on track. Yes, they have had some success in the joint practices, but the starters’ game play has not matched the intensity or physicality, and they can make a statement in this game.
This should be entertaining, as the Titans take the field in the final preseason game at Nissan Stadium, and here are five things to keep an eye on during the game.
Cam Ward’s confidence
Cam Ward has had an outstanding camp, but could definitely use some preseason success and a couple scoring drives to
quiet some doubters. Tennessee’s mid-range passing attack has not been productive, and Ward should have a chance to change that in this game.
Can Carnell get his first catch?
Rookie first-round pick Carnell Tate has not made a catch during the first two preseason games, and breaking that streak would be a good way to end the preseason. Tate had an outstanding practice against the Bears on Thursday, and was the focus of the passing game. The question is, can he keep that up?
Cody Barton
Rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. is surging, and he is playing at an extremely high level as camp winds down, and he is clearly pushing Barton for playing time. Barton needs to step up and start making some plays for the defense. Through two preseason games, he has looked slow, and his run defense has been soft at the point of attack. Hill is clearly a playmaker and the future at the position, and if Barton wants to hold him off, he must start producing.
Bubble players
All 32 NFL teams will cut their rosters to 53 players on Sunday, and this will be the final chance for some of the Titans’ bubble players to make an impact before final cuts. There are some interesting battles to monitor at wide receiver, along the offensive and defensive lines, at linebacker, and in the secondary, and it should be a focus once the starters leave the game.
Injuries
The Titans have been relatively healthy throughout training camp and would like to end preseason that way. The team did get a scare with Wan’Dale Robinson in the final joint practice, and don’t need any more before the start of the season. There is always a risk during training camp and preseason, and it is always something to keep an eye on.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: 5 things to watch in the Titans preseason finale against the Bears
