Tennessee’s roster remains a work in progress, but the Titans possess a defensive front capable of changing Sunday’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Jeffery Simmons remains the centerpiece. The three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle can penetrate gaps, defeat single blocks, and collapse the pocket before a quarterback can work through his progression.
That presents a significant challenge for an Eagles offensive line adjusting to life without Landon Dickerson. Philadelphia placed its starting left guard on injured reserve after the season opener, leaving Drew Kendall and Willie Lampkin among the primary candidates to replace him.
Simmons is not Tennessee’s only disruptive defender.
John Franklin-Myers can rush from multiple alignments, while
Jermaine Johnson II gives coach Robert Saleh an athletic edge defender who can attack the quarterback or pursue runs from the back side. Jacob Martin, Oluwafemi Oladejo and rookie Keldric Faulk provide depth on the edge. The matchup becomes especially important after Philadelphia struggled with interior pressure against Washington. Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens combined for three holding penalties, while Jalen Hurts completed only one of five passes when pressured.
Saquon Barkley broke a 42-yard run but finished with 83 yards on 15 carries. Several of his other attempts were stopped before he could reach the line of scrimmage.
Tennessee’s best path to an upset begins with Simmons and the defensive front. If the Titans can create negative plays, disrupt Philadelphia’s reconstructed offensive line, and force Hurts into obvious passing situations, Saleh can use his pressure packages more aggressively.
The Eagles enter the matchup with more established offensive talent, but they cannot allow Tennessee’s front to dictate the game.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Titans’ biggest strength entering their Week 2 game with Eagles
