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I would think the Titans' confidence is up entering the game based on their victory in the opener. The offense knows they can run the ball on the Jags after putting up 282 rushing yards in the first matchup. When you win the first game, you enter the rematch feeling pretty good about your team. It's very important though that the team isn't too confident. Both teams have corrected things from the first meeting and there is a lot more film to analyze play-calling tendencies, so the rematch is always intense. Divisional contests are so competitive because the coaches and players are familiar with the personnel and their schemes. I would expect a very physical game from both sides.
I think the Titans can be successful on Sunday if they can continue to control the clock by pounding LenDale White. I also think they can take advantage of their success running the ball in the first game by mixing in some play-action passes. You know the Jaguars are going to come in here trying to shut down the run after their poor performance against the Titans earlier in the year, so you have to exploit their aggressiveness by throwing the ball downfield. The Tennessee defense has been able to stop the run on a consistent basis this year which is one of the Jaguars' strengths. Regardless of who lines up at quarterback for Jacksonville, they are going to have a difficult time moving the football against the Titans' defense. Mix in the fact that the LP Field crowd has been very loud the last few weeks, and I like the Titans chances of improving to 7-2.
I will check back in with a new blog entry in a few weeks. Go Titans!
