Tennessee Titans Week 1 Preview: 10 Keys to Success

The Tennessee Titans will look to hit the ground running on their 2011 regular season as they travel to Jacksonville to face the division-rival Jaguars.

The Titans and Jaguars will both have new faces on display as they face off in the regular season opener.

Ahead are 10 keys Tennessee needs to execute in order to leave Jacksonville 1-0.

Pressure the Quarterback

The Jaguars made a shocking move on Tuesday by releasing starting quarterback David Garrard just days before their home opener.

Luke McCown is now expected to step in as the starter while Blaine Gabbert waits in the wings. 

The Titans are sticking to their game plan, but should bring pressure early and often from their bolstered defensive line. Forcing McCown to throw under pressure will allow the defensive backs to play off the receivers, minimizing the opportunities for big plays.

Stop the Run Game Early

There was one distinct difference in the two games the Titans played against the Jags last year.

In Week 6, their first matchup, the Titans thrashed the Jaguars 30-3 and held Maurice Jones-Drew to 57 yards rushing on 17 attempts.

In Week 13, Jacksonville focused on the run game and dominated the time of possession as MJD chomped up 31 carries for 186 yards rushing as they beat the Titans 17-6.

If Tennessee expects to win the game, they must control Jacksonville's best player.

Red Zone Defense Has to Force Field Goals

According to teamrankings.com, the Titans were the third best team in red zone defense, allowing only 41.27 percent of offensive opportunities into the end zone. 

Tennessee has done well in stopping teams from scoring and only allowed 20 points from the Jaguars total last season.

If the Titans can keep Jacksonville out of the end zone, Matt Hasselbeck should do enough to get them the W.

Protect Hasselbeck

Matt Hasselbeck should do enough to get the Titans past Jacksonville if his line can protect him.

The veteran from Boston College is entering his 13th season and hasn't played all 16 games of an NFL season since 2007.

Hasselbeck shouldn't have much to worry about as the Titans enter the 2011 season as the seventh best offensive line in football. The entire offensive line from last year was brought back for another run in the AFC South.

Take Advantage of Opportunities

Since the Jeff Fisher days, the Titans have been unable to get into the end zone.

Fans have witnessed Rob Bironas, Gary Anderson, Joe Nedney, and Al Del Greco boot field goals from 10-40 yards out for years as the team could not get in for seven points.

Mike Munchak offers a new system and a new look to the offense that has struggled so close to scoring. If the Titans can figure out their red zone woes, they will be a force on Sunday.

Speaking of Rob Bironas

Rob Bironas is a huge question heading into the season.

The Jaguars are a physical team that holds their ground on their side of the field. The Titans will potentially have to rely on Bironas's leg to put points on the board.

The only problem remains that Bironas hasn't been on point throughout the preseason.

Head coach Mike Munchak has maintained he is not worried about Bironas, but the seventh-year veteran was six-of-eight during the preseason. 

Bironas should be tested early and often by the Jaguars stingy defense. 

Marc Mariani Must Control the Special Teams Game

Marc Mariani was one of the most dynamic players on the Titans roster last season and made the Pro Bowl in his rookie year.

With the new kickoff rules, Mariani will be counted on to make intelligent decisions on bringing the ball out on kickoffs and punt returns.

Tennessee will rely on Mariani to return to last year's form and pick up key yardage to help set up the offense.

Kenny Britt Must Come out Firing

Kenny Britt appeared in exactly zero games throughout the four-game preseason.

Britt is expected to come in and be the playmaker he has been since day one in Tennessee despite his numerous hamstring issues.

The only bright spot in Britt's return to the lineup is that he should see single coverage, primarily due to a man named "Chris Johnson" returning to the Titans lineup.

Get Chris Johnson Touches Early

Chris Johnson will make his much anticipated return Sunday afternoon against the Jaguars.

Johnson held out the entire offseason, but will start at running back behind quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

The dynamic running back's abilities should open up the passing lanes for the veteran quarterback and for stand out receiver Kenny Britt.

Johnson will need to get early touches to get back in the swing of full-speed play and should be the game changer against the Jacksonville defense.

How well CJ will be able to run will depend on his conditioning and new fullback Quinn Johnson.

With No Ahmard Hall, How Does Quinn Johnson Fit?

Ahmard Hall has been a member of the Tennessee Titans since 2006 and has led the way every season for Chris Johnson.

The Titans can only hope that Quinn Johnson will be a suitable replacement while Ahmard Hall serves his four-game suspension.

Quinn Johnson will be entering his third season as a pro, after starting four games for the Green Bay Packers throughout the 2010 season and will be tested as the Titans rely heavily on their running game.

Conclusion

If the Titans can hit all of these points, they should leave Jacksonville without a blemish on their record.

The game will be held on CBS in regional coverage at 1 PM Sunday afternoon.

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