The Eagles are set to take on the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon and it looks to be a very physical matchup. Both teams are on top of the NFL in terms of running the ball but the difference is in the defenses. The Titans’ defense ranked 3rd against the run but their secondary is one of the worst in the league.
As for the Eagles, it seems to be the other way around as they have one of the best secondary’s in the league but their run defense has been terrible. With that said, here are five matchups to watch when the Eagles host the Titans:
A.J. Brown vs Titans Secondary
The Titans’ secondary ranks at the bottom of the league in terms of passing yards and touchdowns allowed. A.J. Brown, if fully healthy, should have a field day against his former team. With more than just revenge on his mind, it will be interesting to see what the Eagles dial-up for Brown.
A.J. had a rough outing against the Packers as he only recorded 4 receptions for 46 yards and a touchdown. While we know that the ball gets passed around quite a bit in the Eagles’ offense, it’s fair to note that Brown has not had more than 60 receiving yards over the last four weeks.
Jalen Hurts vs Titans run defense
Jalen Hurts made franchise history last weekend as the Eagles QB rushed for 157 yards against the Packers. With the Titans being the 3rd best rush defense and only allowing three rushing touchdowns on the season it will be interesting to see how the Eagles approach them.
Miles Sanders had a career day against the Packers which led to the Eagles’ 1-2 running punch to control the game but it may not be that easy against the Vrabel’s run defense.
Derrick Henry vs Eagles run defense
Everyone in Philadelphia has their fingers crossed for this matchup. If Jordan Davis does return then it will be a huge boost to a run defense that recently added Ndamukong Suh and Linval Joseph. Unfortunately, that may not be enough to stop the best running back in the league.
Not many defenses have been able to hold down Henry and the Titans’ rushing attack but if the Eagles want to win convincingly then they’ll have to limit the impact of Derrick Henry.
Nick Sirianni vs Mike Vrabel
This will be a battle of passion for these head coaches. Both teams are a pure reflection of their Head coaches so it will be interesting to see who has the emotional edge. On one side you have Mike Vrabel who once vowed that A.J. Brown would not be traded as long as he was the Head coach. Vrabel once emphasize how much respect and love he has for A.J. Brown and his reaction to the trade did not go unnoticed.
On the other side, you have Nick Sirianni who you know wants to win this one for his top WR. This game will be a chess match at the highest level. The plays have to be right, and the energy has to be high, but most of all neither coach can afford to lose their focus.
Reed Blankenship vs Ryan Tannehill
With CJGJ going down for the next couple of weeks, Reed Blankenship will be taking his place in hopes of providing the same level of efficiency for the Eagles. Blankenship had a nice debut with very few mishaps against the Packers but that was last week.
While the Titans may not pass much against this Eagles secondary, look for Blankenship to make his impact in the run defense. He made some big tackles against the Packers’ running backs which led to some big stops. I’m very curious to see how impacts this Eagles’ defense going forward.
AP Photo/Derik Hamilton
