San Diego Chargers host Tennessee Titans in Week 2 encounter – NFL Preview
Tennessee Titans hope to get their first win of the season on Sunday, September 16, 2012, as they go on road to face San Diego Chargers in Week 2 game at Qualcomm Stadium.
Titans head coach Mike Munchak’s is desperate to see his offence shifting to next gear after a woeful performance in their season opener against New England Patriots. Titans lost that game 34-13.
The Titans’ offence covered the least amount of rushing yards of all the teams in the league. Running back Chris Johnson will need to step up a bit after failing to impress with his performance in Week 1 game.
Johnson ended up with his lowest-ever output as he covered just four yards on a total of 11 carries. His start to this season looked quite familiar with the one he got in the 2011 season. Reviewing the Titans’ running game, Munchak said:
"We all know that the running game has to get better. We're not denying it. We're not trying to act like, 'Hey, we're OK.' We're not."
Quarterback Jake Locker is doubtful for Sunday’s game as he injured his shoulder against Patriots. Locker completed 23 out of 32 passes for 229 passing yards. He went through MRI this week and will likely play a reduced role in next game.
Locker will be replaced by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck who started all of the games last season. Munchak said:
"If we still feel (Locker) can be productive, run around and do the things he needs to do to play the position, then we're going to be fine with him playing."
The offence will also be bolstered by the return of wide receiver Kenny Britt who was suspended for Week 1 game.
Titans’ defence looked lacklustre against strong Patriots’ offence. The defence will get support of defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks, who returns from knee injury.
Chargers are coming in this game with a winning start to the season. Like Titans, Chargers are facing tough situation at running back.
They will enter their first home game without star running back Ryan Mathews as he got injured during Chargers’ Monday night season opener against Oakland Raiders.
Quarterback Philip Rivers was the main ingredient in Chargers 22-14 win. He was resolved to throwing short passes in absence of Mathews. He completed 24 out of 33 passes for 231 yards along with a touchdown. Rivers said:
"I've always tried to take care of the football and be smart but you have to be able to manage the situation. . . If you go back since I've been playing here and we don't turn the ball over, it's 90-something percent we win."
Chargers’ defence was phenomenal in the last game, giving fewer opportunities for Raiders’ offence to propel. It could be the game changer against Titans’ meagre offence. The final score will most likely be based on how effective the running game will be of both the teams.
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