NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans face the New York Jets on Sunday at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things to watch:
Give Mariota Time to Work
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has been on a hot streak. He's completed 70.3 percent of his passes this season, and he's coming off a game when he was 22-of-23. But the guy needs time to operate. Mariota was sacked six times vs. the Texans, and he's been decked 35 times on the year. If Mariota has time, he could continue his success against the Jets. If not, it's going to make things more difficult for the Titans.
Jonnu Smith
The Titans tight ends have made plays in recent weeks, with Jonnu Smith leading the way. Smith has touchdowns in three of the past four games, and on Sunday he has a chance to do something even Frank Wycheck and Delanie Walker never did. With a touchdown catch against the Jets, Smith would become the first tight end in the "Titans era" to record at least one touchdown reception four games in a five-game span.
Run Defense
The Titans allowed 281 yards on the ground against the Texans – more than the previous four games combined (261). When the Jets have had success this season, they've been able to run the football. Jets running back Isaiah Crowell has 582 yards and six touchdowns, with a 4.9-yard average. He exploded for 219 yards in a game against the Broncos earlier this season. The Titans can't let it happen on Sunday.
Sustain Lead
The Titans jumped out to a 10-0 lead in Houston, but it was short-lived. This Sunday, the start is key. The Titans want to be able to run the football, and playing with the game under control – with a lead – would allow them to do that. Get Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis going and it takes pressure off the offense, and helps in pass protection, and play-action. The Jets are ranked 27th in rushing yards allowed per game.
Get Some Turnovers
It's time. It's time for the Titans to make some game-changing plays on defense, with sacks and turnovers. The Titans did a better job pressuring Deshaun Watson last week compared to Andrew Luck the previous week, but the team hasn't been able to create turnovers. The Titans haven't intercepted a pass since Kevin Byard's pick in Dallas, and they haven't recovered a fumble since linebacker Wesley Woodyard against the Cowboys. Will that change on Sunday? The Titans have talked a lot about it this week.
Homecoming
The Titans will welcome back over 80 former players for Homecoming weekend at Nissan Stadium, and the group includes former running back Chris Johnson. Johnson will serve as the Honorary 12th Titan at Sunday's game. Johnson will plant the sword in the ground prior to kickoff, and at the half the players will be recognized. It's a good group, from Jevon Kearse to Albert Haynesworth to Kevin Dyson to Drew Bennett to Keith Bulluck, and many more.
TitansOnline.com looks back at the all-time series between the Tennessee Titans and New York Jets. (Photos: Donn Jones, AP)
New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Tennessee Titans' Michael Griffin (33) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Karl Klug (97) and Brian Orakpo (98) sack New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won 30-8. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets' Stevan Ridley (22) is tackled by Tennessee Titans' Da'Norris Searcy (21) and DaQuan Jones (90) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass during a week 14 NFL football game against the New York Jets on December 13, 2015 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Jets strong safety Calvin Pryor (25) tackles Tennessee Titans' Harry Douglas (83) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Tennessee Titans take on the New York Jets during a week 14 NFL football game on December 13, 2015 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Dexter McCluster (22) scores the two point conversion during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs for a touchdown after he makes a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) rushes during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets' Stevan Ridley (22) is tackled by Tennessee Titans' Da'Norris Searcy (21) and DaQuan Jones (90) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) catches a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. Mariota scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Tennessee Titans defensive end Karl Klug (97) sacks New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) during a week 14 NFL football game against the on December 13, 2015 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) waits for the snap during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs for a touchdown after he makes a catch during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) drops back to pass during a week 14 NFL football game against the New York Jets on December 13, 2015 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
FILE - In this Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015 file photo, New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass away from Tennessee Titans' Jurrell Casey (99) during the first half of an NFL football game in East Rutherford, N.J. The New York Jets play the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2015. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) catches a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. Mariota scored a touchdown on the play. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
FILE - In this Dec. 13, 2015, file photo, Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) catches a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, in East Rutherford, N.J. Mariota scored a touchdown on the play. For every unplanned play that earns a name like the Immaculate Reception, there’s a gimmick cooked up by coaches to catch a defense by surprise. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
New York Jets plays Tennessee Titans during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won 30-8. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Jets running back Romar Morris (30) is tackled by the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Alex Tanney (11) looks to pass against the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball under pressure from New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) makes a catch against New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Harry Douglas (83) makes a catch against New York Jets cornerback Marcus Williams (20) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) carries the ball against the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) is sacked by Tennessee Titans defensive back Brynden Trawick (41) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) makes a catch against New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) breaks down the field against New York Jets cornerback Juston Burris (32) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) stiff arms New York Jets cornerback Darryl Roberts (27) after making a catch during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Peter Morgan)
New York Jets wide receiver Lucky Whitehead (8) is tackled by Tennessee Titans wide receiver Eric Weems (14) and defensive back Brynden Trawick (41) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tennessee Titans defensive back Manny Abad (38) stiff arms New York Jets tight end Jordan Leggett (49) during the third quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Alex Tanney (11) looks to pass against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg (5) throws against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) calls an audible at the line of scrimmage against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tennessee Titans running back Akeem Judd (38) carries the ball against the New York Jets during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) shakes hands with New York Jets players after an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won 7-3. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) calls an audible at the line of scrimmage against the New York Jets during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
