Broncos Vs. Titans: Eight Key Matchups Heading Into Showdown in Nashville
Both the Tennessee Titans and the Denver Broncos have a lot riding on there upcoming battle at LP Field this Sunday.
With the Titans currently locked in a three-way tie at the top of the AFC South, the Broncos are sitting in the complete opposite position as they're in a three-way tie at the bottom of the division and hoping not to lose sight of the surging Kansas City Chiefs whoa re surprisingly 3-0.
These early season game within the AFC are important for both teams because the wild card might be the best these two teams can hope for.
The Broncos may be better than many expected after keeping it close with the Colts all the way until late in the fourth quarter.
Every game features critical matchups that can be the difference between a loss and a win for your respective team, and here's eight key matchups heading into Sunday for the Titans.
Champ Bailey Vs. Nate Washington
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I'm guessing that Champ Bailey will guard Nate Washington over Justin Gage considering that through three games Washington has proved to be the more explosive threat for Vince Young and the Titans.
Bailey is probably the biggest contributing factor to the Broncos having a legitimate shot at knocking off the Titans.
Outside of Darrell Revis, he might be the best shutdown corner in the NFL.
That could mean serious problem for a mistake-prone quarterback like Young. Most likely Young will avoid throwing to Bailey's side of the field at all costs, meaning that Justin Gage might be poised for his first breakout game of the young season.
Vince Young Vs. Denver Secondary
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That brings up Vince Young's task of figuring out how to beat this Denver secondary that not only has Champ Bailey, but also Brian Dawkins.
The Denver secondary has had its ups and downs after three weeks of the season. They picked off Matt Hasselbeck three times in their victory over the Seahawks, but gave up three touchdown passes and almost 200 passing yards to the average David Garrard.
If the Denver secondary shuts down the ability to throw the ball then Denver will be right in the thick of things heading into the fourth quarter. However, if the secondary lays an egg then it could be a blowout because that means Chris Johnson will be set up in the run game.
It hasn't been a smooth ride so far for Young and the passing game, but when Young performs well the Titans are 2-0 this season. We all know what happened in the other game against the Steelers.
Chris Johnson Vs. Denver Linebackers
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As it was mentioned previously, the result of this matchup depends heavily on Vince Young's success against the Denver secondary.
We all know that Chris Johnson is always capable of the one big play that's usually somewhere in the neighborhood of a 70-yard touchdown run. That threat will be just as strong against this Broncos defense that isn't exactly what I would call scary.
They've faced some weak rush offenses so far with the exception of Maurice Jones-Drew who gained 98 yards on the ground in week one.
Johnson will be by far the most dangerous running back the Broncos have seen all season, so it will be interesting to see if they rise up to the challenge.
They do have a little bit of momentum going into this game as they held Joseph Addai to only 29 yards rushing and a mere 2.2 yards per carry.
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Denver Running Game Vs. Titans Defensive Line
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Denver's running game isn't nearly as explosive as the Titans' running game, but they still have a couple running backs who can put up solid numbers and make a difference in a game.
It's still uncertain whether or not Knowshon Moreno will be back from his hamstring injury by the time Sunday rolls around.
Whether he does or not, I'm sure the Broncos will use two different running backs in this game. They recently acquired Laurence Maroney, who you may remember absolutely murdered the Titans last season when he was still a Patriot.
He looked very rusty against the Colts this past week so he shouldn't be viewed as too much of a threat.
You can't forget about Correll Buckhalter who is also capable of making some big plays. The Titans should be able to swallow this run game whole for the most part, which will put more pressure on Kyle Orton.
Titans Defensive Line Vs. Denver Offensive Line
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Speaking of the Titans defensive line, they will once again be trying to get in the heads of their opponent like they did against the Giants this past week.
This defensive line has been the cornerstone of the Titans defense for many years now and it doesn't look like that's going to change this season.
Tony Brown has emerged as the leader of this defensive line, but keep your eye on Will Witherspoon as well. He already has three sacks this season, including one last week on Eli Manning.
As a unit the Denver offensive line has allowed five sacks so far this season and got completely blown up in week one against the Jaguars.
This matchup could shift momentum heavily in favor of the Titans if the Denver offensive line fails to protect Kyle Orton.
Cortland Finnegan Vs. Brandon Lloyd
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There's no denying the fact that Cortland Finnegan plays with fire in his belly.
Denver's leading receiver Brandon Lloyd will get a taste of that on Sunday. He's gotten off to a great start as he has nearly 350 yards and a touchdown through three games.
Finnegan is really good at stoppping the big play and holding catches made underneath the coverage to minimal games.
If Lloyd does find some way to exploit Finnegan's coverage then it could mean a long day for the Titans' secondary, however don't count on that happening.
The Titans secondary should be safe. Well at least on Finnegan's side of the field. Finnegan has yet to allow a 100-yard receiver so far this season and an average Denver passing game shouldn't change that.
Alterraun Verner Vs. Eddie Royal
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The dangerous Eddie Royal is what the Titans should be worried about, especially after the injury to Jason McCourty.
Now rookie Alterraun Verner will have to make sure that he locks up the other side of the field opposite Finnegan.
Don't count out Verner from having a solid game. He's shown nothing but great things in both the preseason and in the regular season.
He had six tackles and a pass deflection against the Giants this past week.
Expect the Broncos to test Verner early on and stay away from Finnegan much like Vince Young will stay away from Champ Bailey.
Bo Scaife Vs. Denver Secondary
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Bo Scaife has always been an important part to this passing offense.
When Vince Young has success in the passing game it usually means Scaife had a good game as well.
Scaife has been held in check so far this season, but Denver has had a little trouble stopping the tight ends.
The Jaguars had a lot of success with Marcedes Lewis against the Broncos in week one and I'm sure Jeff Fisher has viewed film to see if Scaife can do the same.
Through three games the Broncos have given up nearly 150 yards and two touchdowns to the tight end position.
If Scaife continues to move the chains against the Broncos then that will open things up more for both Chris Johnson and the receivers on the outside.
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