Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has been impressive this preseason but will face a tough challenge Friday against an explosive Kansas City Chiefs defense.
Behind an offensive line in flux, the No. 2 overall draft pick will see plenty of KC’s pass rushers.
ODDS
The Chiefs opened as 4.5-point chalk, but with the announcement of their starters playing into the third quarter while the Titans will go maybe a half with their first group, the line jumped to -5.5. The total surfaced at 43.
QUARTERBACK ROTATION
Titans coach Ken Whisenhunt indicated the short turnaround from last week means the first team will not play into the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium. Marcus Mariota will get his reps with the first team offensive line, which still has plenty of moving parts and could possibly change before the season begins. The Titans have two capable backups with second-year player Zach Mettenberger beginning to distance himself from Charlie Whithurst. The two will likely split the second half reps.
Kansas City coach Andy Reid said his starters will play into the third quarter against the Titans and the second-team will finish up. That means Alex Smith gets his final chance this preseason to improve on his decent but unspectacular numbers. Smith hit 11 of 18 attempts with a touchdown against Seattle last week, but managed just 81 yards. He also tossed a pick and was sacked two times. Backup Chase Daniel was strong, going 8 for 12 for 82 yards and the game-winning touchdown pass in the third quarter.
COACHES' MOTIVATION
A recent hit by Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs on Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford ignited debate about how officials interpret what is, and what isn’t, a zone-read play. The Titans will dabble in such zone-read this season as they look to bring elements to their offense that made Mariota so successful at Oregon. However, plays that could lead to hits on Mariota are not going to make Whisenhunt wary about calling those plays, even if opposing defenders have a shot at the Titans’ top draft pick. “I think you’re aware of it, but it doesn’t matter whether you’re a read-option quarterback or not if you’re faking to a back,” the Titans coach said. “I know he faced those kind of things at Oregon and from what I’ve seen there are mechanisms involved with that particular thing that handle that.”
QUOTE TO NOTE
“Playing time will be somewhere there in three quarters for the ones, and then the twos will take it from there. The way we do it this game is important. For the ones, it is kind of the final tune-up and that’s what most teams do around the league. You go play, that’s the main thing.” – Chiefs coach Andy Reid
POSITION BATTLE TO WATCH
The battle for the starting receiver spot opposite Kendall Wright is just as murky for the Titans as the first day of training camp. Harry Douglas had a strong performance against his former Falcons in the preseason opener with three catches. Last week it was Hakeem Nicks who showed off his speed, turning a 4-yard catch into a 40-yard play. Rookie Dorial Green-Beckham is the most athletic of the group and provides a big target standing at 6-foot-5. He had his best game of the preseason last week, catching four passes. However, he rolled his ankle in practice and is questionable to play against the Chiefs.
INJURIES
Cornerback Jason McCourty underwent groin surgery and is out until the start of the regular season. The Titans could also be without several linebackers as J.R. Tavai, Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil and Zaviar Gooden are all dealing with lingering injuries.
Kansas City’s offensive line will be without two projected starters. Guard Jeff Allen is still hobbled by a knee injury sustained in the preseason opener. Tackle Eric Fisher continues his recovery from a sprained ankle. Furthermore, backup linebacker Justin March underwent surgery on a meniscus tear a week ago.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
KC’s starters are prepping to play into the third quarter, according to Reid, and that gives the Chiefs a decided edge in this game. A short turnaround from last week has the Titans sitting their top groups after maybe a half. The Chiefs have a better roster to begin with and going against the second group of Titans makes them much more likely to get the win.
Kansas City 26, Tennessee 17
BookMaker sent out the NFL odds for this Saturday game at Kansas City -4.5 with a total of 43. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, totals and spreads. Log in and start gambling during the game now!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device or tablet at BookMaker sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! Bet on the NFL today as the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs square off Friday, August 28, 2015, at 8 p.m. ET at Arrowhead Stadium.
