The Chargers look to continue to increase their chances of making the playoffs when they take on the Titans this Sunday.
To get you prepped for the Week 15 bout, here are five key things to know about Los Angeles’ opponent ahead of the matchup.
In a slump
The Titans have lost their last three games for the first time since 2018. They allowed an average of 30 points per game and averaged just 16 points in those contests. Tennessee still sits atop the AFC South, but their struggles in recent weeks have cracked the door open for the 5-8 Jaguars in the division.
King Henry
The Titans will lean on their most valuable player, running back Derrick Henry, to exploit a Chargers defense that ranks 28th against the run and has allowed the league-worst in rushing yards allowed per play. Henry, the 6-foot-3 and 247-pounder, is second in the league in rushing yards (1,199), tied for second in explosive carries (rushes over 20 yards) with nine and tied for third in rushing touchdowns (11).
Offensive line woes
While the Titans are superior at running the ball, they struggle through the air, ranking 29th in passing yards per game (175.7). Their inefficiency at passing the ball comes from Ryan Tannehill being no more than a game manager. He doesn’t have an arsenal of weapons, especially after trading away AJ Brown. But Tennessee’s offensive line is to blame, too. The line is second-worst in pass-blocking efficiency and the third-most penalized group in the NFL (36), according to Pro Football Focus.
Poor pass defense
Justin Herbert could be in line for another monstrous performance this weekend. The Titans rank 31st in passing yards allowed per game (283.7). A primary reason for their inability to slow opposing quarterbacks comes from a nonexistent pass rush. With standout defensive lineman Denico Autry and star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons dealing with injuries, the pass rush has struggled, making it difficult on an already vulnerable secondary. Autry has been out since Week 11 and returned to practice on a limited basis. He leads the team with seven sacks. Simmons has had a lingering ankle issue. He has 6.5 sacks on the season.
Much better against the run
The Chargers’ offensive game plan should and will likely revolve around Herbert, considering the Titans are no slouch at defending the run. With Simmons anchoring the defensive line and a physical group of linebackers, Tennessee is allowing the third-fewest rushing yards per game (81.3).
