Philadelphia Eagles vs Tennessee Titans - Preview
Division leader going up against division leader in Tennessee on Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagles, who have a 4-2-0 record and are tied for first place with New York Giants in NFC East, would be travelling to Tennessee. The Tennessee Titans share the top
spots with Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans at 4-2-0 in AFC South.
One of the biggest uncertainties now is the condition of Tennessee’s starting quarterback, Vince Young. He had sprained his knee against the Jacksonville Jaguars. It wasn’t particularly serious but it’s not known if the quarterback would be on the field
again this Sunday. In that game against Jacksonville, backup Kerry Collins replaced Young and he was just superb. Let’s face it, the Jaguars aren’t on par with the Eagles but what that game showed was that Collins hasn’t lost it yet. He was, after all, the
starting quarterback for Titans until Young came along. He might not have had many chances to play since then but he is still a world class quarterback.
Collins isn’t in top condition either. He has hurt a finger on his throwing arm. It could be nothing but the remote possibility exists that Rusty Smith would lead the Titans. If that happens, Titans would have some serious making up to do.
“It's basically day to day still and making that decision on Sunday”, Young said regarding Sunday’s game. Young hasn't practiced after the injury while Collins has. “It's not unrealistic that if he misses a couple days of practice that he still can play,”
Titans' coach, Jeff Fisher stated about Young. “I think he's got a good chance.” At this point, he is a probable starter.
When Titans lost their quarterback, their defence got fired up. They forced four turnovers out of Jaguars and would try to do the same thing to Eagles, though probably not with as much success. In any event, Eagles would be hoping that Young doesnot come
back by Sunday.
If Young can’t play on Sunday, Titans would rely more heavily on the run. Titans' Chris Johnson is possibly one of the best running backs in the league. He might as well wear a bull's-eye on his Jersey on Sunday because he would be the focus of all of Philadelphia’s
defence. “He's explosive, he's quick, he runs behind his pads”, Eagles' defensive co-ordinator, Sean McDermott said. “He plays bigger than he is, and if he's not the best, he's close to the top of the league.”
If Eagles want to win, they absolutely have to contain Johnson. There is no letting up against him. The slightest leak in the Eagles' defensive dam would be enough for Johnson to make a play. Eagles have shown significant improvement in stopping the run
over the past few weeks. The Titans average about 140 yards on the ground. Even with the improvements, we have seen in Philadelphia, it’s too early to say if that would do them any good against Chris Johnson.
The defence has its work cut out for it. As for the offense, things aren’t quite as bleak. Titans' defence stops the rush with ease but against the pass, they rank 23rd in the league. That works well for the Eagles because their quarterback, Kevin
Kolb has been outstanding. He was named 'Offensive Player of the Week' when he threw 326 yards and three touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons. Eagles won both the games that Kolb started, after Michael Vick was taken out due to an injury.
Kolb is motivated but under pressure too. This is his chance to prove that he deserves the starting position. If Young can’t play and somehow Johnson is contained by the Eagles, Kolb would have a good shot at leading Philadelphia to victory. It won’t be
easy though. Titans have had a bit success in pass rush and would be gunning for Kolb. If the offensive line can hold off the Titans, then Kolb can find the receivers.
Too many things need to go right for Philadelphia if they are going to win the match. Titans are the favourites if Vince Young is ready to play, Philadelphia has a shot if Kerry Collins starts.
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