After securing their first win of the regular season against the Indianapolis Colts last Sunday, the Tennessee Titans have been in the news for all the wrong reasons. However, the focus must shift back to the field ahead of their matchup with the surprising 4-2 Cleveland Browns this Sunday.
Just strictly keeping it on the field, both teams enter the matchup with momentum. But the Titans will need a stronger offensive performance earlier in the game (repeat cycle every week) to earn their second consecutive victory.
Here are three key matchups that could determine Sunday's outcome.
Titans offensive line vs. Browns pass rush
Protecting quarterback Cam Ward will be one of Tennessee's biggest priorities against a Cleveland defense that has consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks.
The Browns
enter Week 7 ranked second in the NFL with 19 sacks through six games, presenting a second matchup against an opponent ranked in the top five in that category in the Titans' last three games (vs. Houston Texans in Week 5).
Ward is coming off his lowest passing yards total of the season (102 yards), so Tennessee cannot afford another ineffective passing performance if they hope to pull off back-to-back wins and a first at Nissan Stadium this season.
Titans defensive front vs. Browns offensive line
On the flip side, Tennessee's defensive front has an opportunity to make a significant impact against Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson. After a six-sack performance against Colts' quarterback Daniel Jones last week, the Titans' defense ranks ninth in the NFL in total sacks (16).
Watson is the most-sacked quarterback in the NFL this season through six weeks, being sacked 24 times this season. Cleveland's offense has also struggled moving the ball this season, as they enter Week 7 averaging just 267.5 total yards per game (29th in the NFL).
If Tennessee can pressure Watson and force long third-down situations, it could create opportunities for turnovers and favorable field position.
Titans wide receivers vs. Browns secondary
The Titans' rookie wide receiver, Carnell Tate, leads the team with 344 receiving yards on 29 receptions, and scored his first touchdown of the season against the Colts. However, Cleveland's pass defense is ranked 8th in the NFL in yards per game allowed (205.2 yards).
The Browns have also recorded four interceptions this season, making ball security important for Ward and the receivers taking advantage of any opportunity they can get. Tate's ability, specifically, to create separation and make contested catches will be critical, especially if Cleveland's pass rush forces Ward to make quick decisions.
Ultimately, Tennessee's ability to protect Ward, pressure Watson, and generate production through the air could determine whether the Titans secure their second consecutive victory.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns: 3 Key Matchups for Week 7
