VS. 
NUTS AND BOLTS
Date: September 9th, 2007
Time: 12:00 p.m. Central
Location: Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, FL
Records (2006): Titans (8-8) Jaguars (8-8)
Weather: 86 degrees, 10% chance of showers, wind 6 mph from the NE
TV: WKRN 2
Radio: 103.3 WKDF
Jaguars Coverage: Big Cat Country, Jacksonville Times Union, and Jag Nation
W2W4
OFFENSE
Rankings (2006): Titans Offense 27th overall (5th rushing, 30th passing) vs. Jaguars Defense 2nd overall (4th rushing, 10th passing)
The #1 goal in this game is to protect the ball. That is always important, but it is especially important when you are facing a team with a really good defense. The Titans cannot afford to give the Jags a short field.
As I mentioned earier this week, the Titans offensive line is going to have to play to their fullest ability. The Jags have one of the best front fours in all of the NFL. The Titans offensive line is going to have to manage them in the running and passing game to have any success. If the Titans can get LenDale White and Chris Brown going on Saturday it will open up things for Vince Young in the passing game.
Vince Young is going to have to make some plays in the passing game and with his legs. He struggled big time against the Jags last season. He is going to have to play better for the Titans to have a chance in this game.
DEFENSE
Rankings (2006): Titans Defense 32nd overall (30th rushing, 27th passing) vs. Jaguars Offense 10th overall (3rd rushing, 24th passing)
The front 7 is the key for the Titans in this game. If they can stop the run with the front 7 they can keep all of their defensive backs in coverage. That will limit the opportunities for Jacksonville to hit the big play.
Tackling is going to be a key in this game as well. The Titans have had some problems in openers with tackling in the past. When you face a big QB like David Garrard and a slippery RB like Maurice Jones-Drew, you have to bring them down when you get a shot at them.
The Titans have got to get off the field on 3rd down. It is going to be hot in Jacksonville tomorrow. The team that wins will probably be the team that has the most offensive plays. If the Titans can't limit drives they will be worn out in the 4th quarter. A tired defense is not a good thing against this rushing attack.
Divison games are always important. This is a tough match-up for the Titans, but it is a game they can win. Let's go out and get our first 1-0 start since 2004.
Be sure and get the game chat going in the comments. I won't be around the computer for most of the game because of my niece's birthday party, but I will be watching. I will hopefully be back at the computer for the 4th quarter.