NASHVILLE – The Titans face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things to watch leading up to the contest:
Will Levis Momentum
Titans quarterback Will Levis returned to the lineup last Sunday in Los Angeles and posted the highest completion percentage (78.3) of his career, also with a 127.4 rating and a career-high in rushing yards (41). It was his third career game with two-plus TDs and 0 INTs. So, can Levis build on the momentum from a week ago against the Vikings? It won't be easy against a Minnesota defense that will aim to wreak havoc, but Levis said he gained confidence in his return.
Protect the QB
Not everything was perfect last Sunday when Levis returned, which is why the team lost. Pass protection continues to be an issue, especially on the right side of the offensive line, where Nicholas Petit-Frere will return to the lineup at right tackle. Levis was sacked seven times against the Chargers. A few of them were on the QB, because he was slow to get rid of the football. The Vikings employ an aggressive, blitz-happy defense that will look to force Levis into mistakes. As a defense, the Vikings have 29 sacks in nine games this season. Can the Titans keep Levis upright?
Continue Ridley Success
Titans receiver Calvin Ridley has been one of the NFL's most productive pass catchers over the last few weeks. In the past three games, Ridley has 20 catches for 300 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He's coming off a two-touchdown game against the Chargers. On Sunday, he'll aim for his fourth straight game with at least five catches and 70 receiving yards. Ridley is one receiving touchdown shy of 40 for his career. He would join Nate Washington in 2014 as the only players to record their 40th career receiving touchdown while with the Titans (since the team moved to Tennessee. The Titans need to get Ridley involved early, and others need to help Levis and the offense.
Red Zone Defense
The Titans continue to lead the NFL in total defense (273.6 net yards allowed per game), and if they keep it up this year's unit would only be the second time the Titans/Oilers led in the category (also 2000). The Titans also lead the league in net pass yards allowed (156.7), negative rushing plays forced (34) and total plays allowed of 10+ yards (90, league average 117). But one thing has slipped in recent weeks: Red zone defense. Opponents are now cashing red zone possessions into touchdown at a higher rate, and the defense needs to stiffen up.
Slow Down Jefferson
The Vikings have one of the NFL's most beastly receivers in Justin Jefferson, who already has 53 catches for 831 yards and five touchdowns on the season. Jefferson, who has 6,730 career receiving yards, can surpass Torry Holt (6,784) for the most receiving yards by a player in his first five seasons in NFL history. The Titans will do their best to slow down Jefferson and quarterback Sam Darnold, but it will take a team effort on defense. Running back Aaron Jones (653 rush, 258 receiving yards) is a dual threat for the Vikings as well.
No Turnovers
I mentioned Levis and his mistake-free game at the start. Well, the Titans snapped a 10-game streak of committing at least one turnover last Sunday that dated back to last season, which tied for the fourth-longest streak since the team moved to Tennessee. The last time the Titans went back-to-back games without a turnover was in Weeks 2 and 3 of last season. The Titans need to get into more of a habit of playing mistake-free football to give themselves a chance because the 7-2 Vikings hardly need the help.
