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Broncos Opponent Profile Week 14: Broncos To Face Excellent Titans' Rushing Attack

By Rick Brown

The Denver Broncos (8-4) and the Tennessee Titans (6-6) have a long history dating back to the days when the Titans were the Houston Oilers. These two teams have played each other more than 40 times, including the playoffs, and the Titans lead the series 22-17-1. Since the team has moved to Tennessee, the Broncos have won four out of five contests.

In the last meeting between these two teams, the Broncos dismantled the Titans 51-28. This week's matchup will be quite different from that game in 2013. In just three short years, each team's identity has significantly changed. The Broncos, once an offensive powerhouse, now rely heavily on their defense to win games. Meanwhile, the Titans have built a strong foundation with a balanced offensive attack with Marcus Mariota and DeMarco Murray.

Tennessee Titans 6-6

The Titans, despite having the same 6-6 record as the Colts and Texans, find themselves in third place in the AFC South by virtue of the NFL's tiebreaking procedures. The team is still fighting to possibly win the division, although the schedule for the Titans is rather difficult. With remaining games against the Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs (9-3), Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10) and division-leading Houston Texans (6-6), the New Year's Day matchup between the Texans and the Titans could be for a divisional crown.

This is a vast improvement from last year, when this team went 3-13 and the head coach was dismissed in the middle of a season. The interim coach, Mike Mularkey, was named head coach in the offseason. Additionally, the Titans had high expectations that their rookie quarterback would continue to build on his success from his first season and not experience a sophomore slump. Not only has Mariota made great strides in becoming a quality quarterback, the Titans took a chance on Murray and it has paid off.

The Titans On Offense

When the Titans made Mariota the second player taken in the 2015 draft, the expectations were through the roof. Though he did not start a full season during his rookie year, he had some good numbers through 12 games. He threw for 2,818 yards and had 19 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions. He also added two touchdowns and 252 yards rushing with his legs. Mariota continues to thrive in coach Mularkey's run-heavy scheme in his second year. Through 12 games, Mariota has 2998 yards, 25 touchdowns to eight interceptions.

The Titans took a chance on veteran running back Murray after he had an off year in Philadelphia. Speculation was Murray was too old to continue to be a 3-down back. Well, Murray has rushed for 1,043 yards, which is good for second in the NFL. He has also caught 45 passes and scored a total of 11 touchdowns. It is safe to say Murray has taken this opportunity and run with it. The duo of Mariota and Murray is a scary combination that could give the Broncos run defense problems.

The Titans On Defense

The Titans defense needs some work. The defense is ranked 21st in total defense, 26th against the pass and seventh against the rush. They are also giving up nearly 25 points a game. The Titans need to find some consistency, otherwise this team could be looking at an 8-8 record and possibly be on the outside of the playoffs.

However. the Broncos will face a ferocious pass rush as the Titans have racked up 30 sacks, good for seventh in the league. With a suspect offensive line, that has given up 33 sacks and 77 QB hits this season, the Broncos could be in trouble on Sunday. The Titans' defense needs to create more turnovers as the team has only created 11 interceptions and two fumbles. Look for the Titans to stop the Broncos' rushing game and attack the offensive line.

Titans' Players To Watch

While the Broncos' defense is ranked 28th against the run, allowing 122 yards per game, look for a healthy dose of the Titans' backfield. This three-headed offensive monster consisting of Murray, Mariota and rookie Derrick Henry, could prove to be too much for the Broncos' defense. The strength of the Titans' team is in the rushing game, so expect the Titans to try and establish the run early in the game. On defense, keep an eye on Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan, together they have combined for 17 sacks on opposing quarterbacks.

Outlook

Last week's match up with the Jaguars proved to be a tough contest. With Paxton Lynch at the helm, the offense was not able to move the ball. The Broncos' defense continues to win games. The defense will have a tough matchup against Murray and Mariota. If the Broncos' offense can move the ball, expect a close game and a Broncos' victory.

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