Titans Schedule: Analyzing Weeks 4-6

Taking a different and more informative approach to analyzing the Tennessee Titans Schedule.

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What a crazy week for Titans Twitter. We got people calling other people dumber than Tillman, others accusing Lance Zierlein of box score scouting, and Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has completely taken over my life.

We have had some great content come out the last few days and you need to make sure you roam around the homepage at StackingTheInbox.com and read all of it. Today, we continue looking ahead at the Titans schedule.

Week 4: vs Cincinnati Bengals

Key Additions: Orlando Brown, Irv Smith,
Key Losses: Jessie Bates, Eli Apple

Stats of the Game: The Titans under Mike Vrabel are 0-3 versus the Bengals. The last two losses have been by a margin of 5 points combined. The last time a Ryan Tannehill led team beat the Bengals was back in 2013. Bengals are also undefeated (3-0) in Week 4 under Burrow and Taylor.

Key Matchup to Exploit: The Titans quick passing game versus a susceptible Bengals Pass Defense. The Bengals pass defense got a little overhyped last year, in my opinion. They were heavily reliant on turnovers to see the jump in success from 2021 to 2022. With the Bengals losing Jessie Bates and not adequately addressing the position with someone of similar talent, their back end isn’t as strong as it has been. The Titans by week four should be finding their offensive footing and the plan should be attacking the corners off play-action and allowing Burks to make plays.

Scariest Matchup for the Titans: To no one’s surprise its going to be their wide receivers versus the Titans cornerbacks. The Titans have to play the very disciplined defense against this Bengals team and they have absolutely shown the ability to do that but the way that Chase and Co. can go off at a moment’s notice is scary as hell.

Bengals’ Summer Storylines to Watch: Much like Alvin Kamara, Joe Mixon has some major controversy surrounding his status quo. He pleaded not guilty to the charges brought up against him but the case is far from over. Though the team states he is here for the foreseeable future and that could very well be, the NFL hasn’t decided on that. Like Kamara the status of Mixon heading into 2023 is at the desk of Roger Goodell. If Mixon were to miss this game that would be a big swing of momentum in favor of the Titans.

There’s also contracts coming due for several key members of the Bengals’ offense. First, Tee Higgins needs to be sorted out. Could he do a hold-in like Deebo? Then you have Joe Burrow followed by Ja’Marr Chase. Obviously, not all of these have to be done this summer but if Burrow were to be first before Higgins, makes you wonder what would be going through his head.

Tyler Boyd is also in the last year of his contract. Sometimes those guys could end up being trade bait. The Bengals did draft two wide receivers in Charlie Jones and Andrei Iosivas who could fill the void. It’s always better to get a draft pick for an asset you’re going to let walk.

Why the Titans Will Win: The Titans will win because its time for the streaks to be broken. I mentioned the streaks above, however, if you do not feel like scrolling up here we go:

1. Bengals are 3-0 versus Vrabel Era Titans

2. Bengals are 3-0 in Week Four under Burrow/Taylor

3. Bonus: Bengals are 0-3 in Week Five

This all screams upset to me. The Titans have played the explosive Bengals offense very closely the last two games and all it took last year was a weird and dumb penalty by Big Jeff for them to win that game.

The Bengals have technically gotten slightly worse on defense and slightly better on offense, while the Titans offense in week four will look incredibly different than what we all saw Week 12. Not only is the offensive line (theoretically) better but the scheme will be better. The new scheme and new look OL and health would be the reasons why the Titans win.

Why the Titans Will Lose: It’s the Bengals Curse. The Titans just can’t break the curse of Skyline Joe and Tannehill throws three picks because the wide receivers are terrible and DJ Reader stuffs Derrick Henry. Come on…you didn’t think I would avoid bringing up Tannehill/Henry sucking during that playoff game would ya?

The Bengals defense does just enough to stop the Titans moving the ball and the Titans defense can’t catch a break and end up being on the field for way too long and Burrow to Chase happens late in the game.

Final Verdict: I am gonna do it. The Titans shock the world week four and finally many streaks come to an end. The Titans defense is going to be in its groove by week four. Landry will have three quiet games under his belt, shaking off the rust, and this week he will get two game-changing sacks. Burks will eat this Bengals defense alive because the scheme puts him in a better situation and the Titans offense is overall healthier. 24-20, Titans win.

Week 5: at the Indianapolis Colts