The Philadelphia Eagles will make their first road trip of the season Sunday when they face the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.
Philadelphia enters the Week 2 matchup at 1-0 after holding off the Washington Commanders 24-22. Tennessee is attempting to recover from a 23-10 loss to the New York Jets that exposed concerns surrounding its running game, offensive consistency, and rebuilt defense. The matchup features several compelling storylines. Jalen Hurts will face Jeffery Simmons after the Titans defensive tackle generated attention with his comments about containing Philadelphia's quarterback. Cam Ward will try to take another step in Brian Daboll's offense, while the Eagles must figure out how to protect their reshuffled offensive line without
Landon Dickerson.
To learn more about Tennessee, Eagles Wire asked Titans Wire lead writer Mark Mihalko five questions, including his prediction for Sunday’s game. His answers have been lightly edited for clarity.
1. Containing Jalen Hurts
EW: Jeffery Simmons said Tennessee must “make Jalen Hurts be a quarterback” by containing his runs and keeping him inside the pocket. The last time Hurts faced the Titans, he threw for 380 yards and three touchdowns, added a rushing score, and led Philadelphia to a 35-10 victory. How should Simmons’ comments be interpreted, and what must Tennessee do differently to prevent another dominant Hurts performance?
TW: This has been a hot topic since Simmons made the comments, and many people were surprised by them. However, it does not sound like they were intended the way they have been interpreted.
Hurts is so dynamic that forcing him to remain inside the pocket, if possible, would remove some stress from the back end of the defense. Defensive backs are forced to plaster receivers when Hurts begins using his legs, and that can become a recipe for an explosive play.
With a new defensive scheme being installed, the Titans must communicate better at every level and begin making plays. Tennessee struggled to stop the run in Week 1, and that created opportunities for New York. If the Titans do not correct that problem, Hurts could have another big game.
2. Cam Ward’s development
EW: Cam Ward passed for 140 yards and one touchdown while taking three sacks in Tennessee’s season-opening loss. What progress has Ward made in Brian Daboll’s offense, and where could his arm talent and mobility challenge Vic Fangio’s defense?
TW: Ward has made some small strides, but he is clearly still finding his way in the new scheme. He does not appear completely comfortable in the system yet.
Ward has the arm talent to make every throw and enough athletic ability to create plays outside the pocket, but he must operate with more confidence. Week 1 was difficult, but after watching the All-22 film, it was clear that everything did not fall on him.
The best way to challenge Philadelphia’s defense would be to establish the running game and allow Ward to work from it. A credible rushing attack could create more favorable situations and give him opportunities to use his arm talent off play-action.
3. Tennessee’s defensive front
EW: Landon Dickerson’s move to injured reserve leaves the Eagles with uncertainty at left guard. How aggressively can Simmons and Tennessee’s defensive front attack Philadelphia’s reshuffled interior, and which Titans pass rusher besides Simmons could influence that matchup?
TW: Simmons and John Franklin-Myers were expected to form the heart of Tennessee’s defense. Both have the skill set to create disruption from the interior, and I expect the Titans to attack aggressively.
If another pass rusher steps forward, it will likely be Jermaine Johnson or Femi Oladejo. Johnson should receive more snaps, but Oladejo is emerging. He produced some of his best work as a professional during training camp and continued that progress against the Jets.
Philadelphia’s uncertainty at left guard gives Tennessee an opportunity. The Titans must take advantage by generating pressure and preventing the Eagles from consistently controlling the line of scrimmage.
4. Tennessee’s strength, concern and under-the-radar player
EW: What did Tennessee’s Week 1 loss reveal about the team’s greatest strength and biggest concern, and which under-the-radar Titans player should Eagles fans watch Sunday?
TW: The Titans had a rough performance, and it was somewhat surprising that they played so poorly against the Jets.
Even after a disappointing opening week, the defensive line led by Simmons and Franklin-Myers remains Tennessee’s greatest strength. The linebacker pairing of Anthony Hill Jr. and Cedric Gray is also developing.
The rebuilt secondary is probably the team’s biggest weakness. That group could be tested by Hurts and Philadelphia’s collection of receivers.
One under-the-radar player who could make an impact is Gunnar Helm. The second-year tight end is a reliable safety valve for Ward. He might not take over a game, but he can make the difficult and unglamorous plays when Tennessee needs them.
5. Final prediction
EW: What will ultimately decide Eagles-Titans, and what is your final score prediction?
TW: Most of the outside discussion this week has centered on Ward and Tennessee’s offense. That unit must improve, but it will not matter if the defense cannot get off the field.
I believe the Titans will play better than they did in Week 1, but they will not improve enough to pull off the upset.
Prediction: Eagles 24, Titans 13.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles-Titans preview: Jeffery Simmons, Cam Ward and key concerns
