After opening the season with a 24-22 win over the Washington Commanders, the Philadelphia Eagles are looking to keep things clean in Week 2. The Tennessee Titans, meanwhile, are trying to shake off a rough 23-10 loss to the New York Jets and find some answers fast.
That’s the backdrop for a matchup where Tennessee may feel forced to get creative. The problem is that a lot of those ideas could end up playing right into Philadelphia’s hands.
One place the Titans could get themselves in trouble is by leaning on Cam Ward as a designed-run threat. Ward has the arm to operate the offense, but he can also use his legs when needed, and Tennessee may be tempted to open things up if the Eagles bottle up Tony Pollard.
Philadelphia, though, has the athleticism on the edge to keep Ward contained. Even without Jonathan Greenard in the lineup, Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith combined for 13 pressures, and that kind of heat makes life difficult for a quarterback trying to create on the move.
Pollard himself is another spot where Tennessee could overextend. He had only seven carries in Week 1, but still averaged five yards per touch, which naturally points the Titans toward giving him more work.
That would be a dangerous path against a Philadelphia front that is built to choke off the run. With Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Zack Baun leading the charge, the Eagles have the kind of rush defense that can punish a team for trying to force-feed its backfield.
The Titans may also feel pressure to get Carnell Tate involved early and often in the passing game. Tate is their top weapon through the air, and Tennessee will need to find ways to put the ball in his hands.
The issue is that doing that against Quinyon Mitchell is a tough ask. Mitchell allowed a passer rating of 78.5 and gave up only two receptions, which makes him a brutal matchup for any receiver, even Tennessee’s best option.
Up front, Tennessee will likely look for ways to move Jeffery Simmons around and create confusion for Philadelphia’s offensive line. Simmons can wreck a game when he gets going, so the Titans will almost certainly try to use stunts and different looks to free him up.
But the Eagles are prepared for that, too. Even with Landon Dickerson out, Simmons figures to see bodies all night, with two Eagles linemen meeting him wherever he lines up.
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Eagles Pass Rush Suddenly Has No Excuses After Fangios Callout
Vic Fangio didnt mince words after the Eagles opened the season with a win over Washington, saying the pass rush was too inconsistent and never finished the job with a sack. For a defense built to tilt games at the line of scrimmage, it was the kind of performance that leaves room for concern even in a victory, especially with key edge help still out because of injury and the early schedule already asking more of the front.
Now the focus shifts to Tennessee and rookie quarterback Cam Ward, who took plenty of hits in Week 1, giving Philadelphia a clear chance to be more disruptive. Jalyx Hunt and A.J. Epenesa both acknowledged the group has to be better, and Fangios critique has put the pressure on this rotation to turn a promising opener into something sharper in Week 2. [Read more 🡒]
Eagles Safety Concern Just Got Harder To Ignore For Sunday
The Eagles secondary is looking a little thinner heading into Sundays matchup with the Titans, and the latest roster move only adds to the uncertainty. Philadelphia elevated rookie safety Maximus Pulley, a sign the team is preparing as if it may need another body on the back end with Drew Mukuba questionable because of a knee injury.
Mukubas status is the piece to watch, especially with the Eagles already navigating a practice week that included limited work for Jalen Carter and Cooper DeJean, both of whom are expected to play. Philadelphia still has one open roster spot, so the team has some flexibility, but the decision to bring up Pulley suggests the safety situation is now something the Eagles cannot afford to brush aside. [Read more 🡒]
Eagles Rookies Suddenly Carry Two Early Concerns Into Titans Game
The Eagles head into Week 2 against the Titans already juggling a couple of rookie-related questions that could shape how they handle the early part of the season. Wide receiver Makai Lemon has been on the field in the first two games, but his production has been limited and quiet, a slow start that appears tied in part to his recovery from injury. For a team trying to settle into a rhythm, that leaves one of its young pass catchers still searching for an opening to make an impact.
The more immediate concern may be up front, where Landon Dickersons move to injured reserve opens the door for rookie Micah Morris to take on a more important backup role. Philadelphia is weighing its options at left guard, and Morris suddenly looks like the kind of depth piece who could be asked to do more sooner than expected. For an offense built on stability in the trenches, his readiness is now part of the conversation. [Read more 🡒]