The Philadelphia Eagles will travel to Nashville for their first road game of the season to face a Tennessee Titans roster filled with emerging prospects and established veterans. Second-year quarterback Cam Ward remains at the center of Tennessee’s rebuilding project, but several players can test Philadelphia on offense, defense, and special teams. The Titans opened the season with a loss to the New York Jets and will attempt to give first-year coach Robert Saleh his first victory Sunday.
With kickoff approaching, here are 10 Titans players Eagles fans should know entering Week 2.
1. Cam Ward, quarterback
Ward completed 19 of 32 passes for 140 yards and one touchdown in the opener while adding 21 yards on four carries.
His arm strength allows Tennessee to attack beyond
the intermediate level, while his mobility can extend plays when protection breaks down. Jayden Daniels’ scrambling caused problems for Philadelphia late in Week 1, making rush-lane discipline another point of emphasis for Vic Fangio’s defense.
2. Tony Pollard, running back
Pollard remains Tennessee’s most experienced running back and can influence the game as a runner or receiver.
His burst creates problems when he reaches the second level, and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll can move him around the formation to generate favorable matchups. Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell and Philadelphia’s safeties must account for Pollard on checkdowns and designed passing plays.
3. Calvin Ridley, wide receiver
Ridley is Tennessee’s most established receiver and its primary downfield threat.
His route running, acceleration, and ability to separate vertically will test Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen. The Eagles allowed several explosive completions against Washington, including a fourth-quarter touchdown from Jayden Daniels to Stefon Diggs.
Containing Ridley without regularly dedicating safety help would give Fangio greater flexibility elsewhere.
4. Wan’Dale Robinson, wide receiver
Robinson gives Ward a quick and reliable target from the slot.
At 5-foot-8, Robinson relies on short-area quickness and route-running precision rather than size. Tennessee can use screens, option routes, and pre-snap motion to create touches for him in space.
Cooper DeJean and Michael Carter II could receive significant assignments against Robinson when Philadelphia uses its nickel and dime packages.
5. Peter Skoronski, left guard
Skoronski is the Titans’ most accomplished offensive lineman and an important part of Tennessee’s attempt to protect Ward.
The former first-round pick combines balance, technique,e and power on the interior. His matchup against Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo could influence whether the Eagles improve a pass rush that Fangio called inconsistent after Week 1.
6. Jeffery Simmons, defensive tackle
Simmons is the most disruptive player on Tennessee’s defense and the biggest concern for Philadelphia’s reshuffled offensive line.
He can defeat blocks with power, penetrate gaps, ps and collapse the pocket directly in front of the quarterback. The Eagles will be without Landon Dickerson, leaving Drew Kendall, Willie Lampkin, or another configuration to help contain Simmons.
Philadelphia cannot allow him to place the offense behind schedule with early-down tackles for loss.
7. Jermaine Johnson II, defensive end
Johnson gives Saleh a long, athletic edge defender who can affect both the passing and running games.
He can convert speed into power against offensive tackles and has the range to pursue Hurts when the Eagles quarterback leaves the pocket. Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson will be responsible for preventing Tennessee’s most dangerous edge defender from disrupting Philadelphia’s passing rhythm.
8. Anthony Hill Jr., linebacker
Hill immediately made his presence felt during his NFL debut, recording 16 tackles against the Jets.
The rookie linebacker brings speed, physicality and downhill instincts to the middle of Tennessee’s defense. He will be heavily involved in the Titans’ effort to contain Saquon Barkley and track Hurts as a runner.
Philadelphia can test Hill’s recognition skills with play-action, misdirection and movement before the snap.
9. Alontae Taylor, cornerback
Taylor is Tennessee’s top outside cornerback and one of the secondary’s most physical defenders.
He has the size and competitiveness to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage and can also contribute as a blitzer when aligned inside. His matchup could change throughout the afternoon as Philadelphia moves DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon around the formation.
10. Chimere Dike, return specialist
Dike may be Tennessee’s most dangerous field-position weapon.
The second-year receiver earned first-team All-Pro honors as a rookie and is listed as the Titans’ primary punt and kickoff returner. Philadelphia’s kickoff coverage was inconsistent against Washington, with defenders reaching the returner before allowing additional yardage after contact.
Special-teams coordinator Michael Clay has already identified Dike as a significant Week 2 concern. Keeping the football away from him or tackling cleanly in space will be essential.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles vs. Titans: Ten Tennessee players to know for Week 2 matchup
