We’re a little more than 24 hours away from the moment we’ve all been waiting for: the start of the 2010 NFL season for the Tennessee Titans.
Awaiting the Titans in their season-opener are the Oakland Raiders; a team that’s banking upon newly acquired signal-caller Jason Campbell to provide the franchise with some stability and improved play at the quarterback position.
Up next…a few thoughts and a prediction regarding this weekend’s Titans-Raiders matchup.
All aboard the CJ express!
The main storyline of the Titans 8-8, 2009 campaign was the 2,000+ yard rushing effort courtesy of Mr. Chris Johnson. With his sights set on bigger and better goals in 2010, CJ will be looking to start this season on a more than positive note.
Facing Johnson is an Oakland Raider running defense that was ranked amongst the league’s worst (29th) in 2009.
With a favorable matchup awaiting him, I’m expecting CJ to satisfy Titans’ fans and the fantasy football owners who were fortunate enough to select him in their drafts with a top-notch performance.
Making life uncomfortable for Jim Plunkett…oops…Jason Campbell
Oakland Raider owner Al Davis is certainly excited about what QB Jason Campbell brings to the table, as indicated by comparing the Raiders’ new starting QB with a former signal-caller by the name of Jim Plunkett; a guy who benefitted greatly due to a change of scenery.
On Sunday, the Titans will attempt to rain on Oakland’s parade regarding their newly-acquired signal-caller through the means of bringing relentless pressure.
Campbell’s already proven that he can take a high level of punishment, thanks to last year’s debacle of a season with the Washington Redskins, where injuries to their offensive line led to Campbell being pressured on virtually every pass play.
For the Titans to make life miserable for Campbell by reminding him of his days in Washington, D.C., they’ll have to do a good job of rushing the passer via their four-man pass rush, which will hopefully result in sacks and a turnover or two.
Newcomers: The spotlight’s on you
As the case with many of us who will be watching or attending the game, I’ll be focusing a good portion of my attention span towards some new faces in the Tennessee Titans’ starting lineup.
Jason McCourty or Alterraun Verner will start opposite of Cortland Finnegan at the CB position. Due to Alge Crumpler’s offseason departure, it’s time to see what TE Craig Stevens is made of. Finally, on special teams, unheralded rookie sensation Marc Mariani will be handling the duties of returning punts and kicks.
Hopefully, the aforementioned players will get the season off to a good start with solid performances.
Prediction time!
An improved Oakland team will put up a spirited effort but at the end of the day, the Titans will emerge victorious.
Titans 20 Raiders 13
Any thoughts/predictions for Sunday’s Titans/Raiders battle? Feel free to provide your thoughts below.
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