Keys to the Game
Titans
- Get Caleb Williams Uncomfortable
- Protect Will Levis
For Tennessee, Week 1 is about spoiling number one draft pick Caleb Williams’s first NFL start. Williams, who comes into the season nearly engulfed by hype, is driven by his unique talents as well as his ultra-confidence. On HBO’s Hard Knocks, he went as far as to state that he “doesn’t get nervous before games“. From Tennessee’s perspective, the most important thing that they can do on Sunday is to get Caleb Williams uncomfortable. Though the Titans were a below-average pass-rushing team last year, they hope that the recent addition of DT Sebastian Joseph-Day can help that improve. Chicago’s offensive line is also one of the team’s biggest weaknesses, so the Titans do have a chance to make this a reality.
In addition to creating pressure via pass rush, the Titans also need to take advantage of Caleb’s rookie mistakes. They are inevitable, and using them to rattle Williams is a sure-fire way of slowing down the Chicago offense.
Along the same lines as the first bullet point, it will be essential for the Titans offensive line to protect QB Will Levis. Chicago’s secondary could be elite this season, which means that it may be difficult for receivers to create separation. Further, the wide receiving core is probably the strength of Tennessee’s 2024 squad, headlined by DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley. The Titans offensive line needs to provide Levis with the opportunity to get those star players involved.
Levis is also particularly bad under pressure. Last season, he finished 64th among QBs in PFF grade in plays where pressure was applied by the defense.
Bears
- Put Together a Good First Drive
- Make Titans One-Dimensional on Offense
This matchup marks the first regular-season contest of Caleb Williams’ NFL career. No matter what he says, Sunday will be nerve-racking for the 2024 number one pick. For Chicago, a solid first offensive drive would go a long way. Though Williams carries himself with a great deal of confidence, he- like any other rookie quarterback- would thoroughly benefit from a couple of first downs on that first drive. The goal is for him to get into a bit of a rhythm and begin to see the field. A few quick passes to his star-studded receiving cast is all it takes. It is important for him to understand that he doesn’t need to do all of the work, but instead get his teammates involved.
Chicago’s other key to the game is to make the Titans one-dimensional on offense. In one of the largest moves of the offseason, Tennessee parted ways with star RB Derrick Henry. Despite subpar offensive line play, Henry finished second in rushing yards last year and served as the engine that the Titans offense ran off of. With him gone, Tennessee’s rushing outlook is questionable.
Newly-acquired starting RB Tony Pollard did not perform well in his first season as a primary running back last year. Chicago- who allowed the least rushing yards in the NFL last season– has a chance to completely shut down the Titans rushing attack. This would place all of the pressure onto Will Levis and entice him to force the ball into the Bear’s talented secondary. If the Titans can’t run the ball on Sunday, they won’t win.
What’s the Move?
Bears Moneyline -185 (DraftKings)
I see the Bears coming out of Week 1 with a victory, but I think it will be a tight game. I don’t feel comfortable giving the Titans 3.5 points, so I would take the Bears moneyline if anything.
Regardless of betting implications, I think that the defense that Chicago is trotting out onto the field on Sunday will lead the team to a victory and help kick off Caleb Williams’ career with a bang.