Tennessee Titans 3 Players to Watch Against Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10
The Tennessee Titans have yet to get a win on the road this year. That will make it tough to make the playoffs, so the Titans are hoping that can break that trend led by rookie quarterback Will Levis, who was announced as the full-time starter this week.
Levis can't be the only person who steps up in this game though. He will need some big time contributions from his teammates. These three in particular: DeAndre Hopkins, Jeffery Simmons and Kristian Fulton.
DeAndre Hopkins
The Buccaneers' secondary has been awful this season, giving up the fifth-most passing yards in the NFL. Just last week, the Buccaneers surrendered a historic performance to rookie quarterback from the Houston Texans C.J. Stroud. That performance included three Texans' pass catchers going over 100 yards.
Hopkins will need to do that as well and be a consistent force. The Bucs' pass defense isn't just poor, but they are also dealing with cluster injuries in the backend that could make it even easier for Hopkins to do damage. Levis to Hopkins will need to be uttered often for the Titans to get the win.
Jeffery Simmons
Simmons has had a good season, but it may not be a great season so far. Simmons has looked unstoppable at times, but there are other times where he isn't quite making the impact you would hope. A lot of that has to do with the help he's getting around him and the collective failures of the defense, but that excuse can't happen in Week 10.
The Buccaneers have one major weak link on the offense line in rookie Cody Mauch. Mauch has given up 17 pressures and five sacks this season, both tops for the Tampa Bay offensive line. Simmons can single-handedly dominate the game if he dominates this matchup. Could be a two-sack performance ahead.
Kristian Fulton
Fulton was public enemy #1 early in the season due to some mental errors and penalties, but the fourth-year corner has truly rounded into form as of late. Over the last three games, Fulton has only allowed 47 total yards and has locked down his side of the field.
With a bout against Mike Evans and Chris Godwin next, Fulton will have to keep that up against better competition. Fulton has struggled at times with bigger, more physical receivers who can win over him and Evans can absolutely do that.
With Sean Murphy-Bunting likely out in this one, Fulton's importance only goes up. With Murphy-Bunting out, Tre Avery will likely get the start and the last time that happened in Week 2, Avery gave up over 100 yards and a touchdown with multiple penalties. Fulton has to ensure one side of the field is taken care of.
Related Titans stories
- WEEK 10 INJURY UPDATE: The Tennessee Titans continued their preparation for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday and with that came another long injury list, but with the bad, there is some good news for the Titans as well. CLICK HERE
- HENRY TALKS LEVIS: The Tennessee Titans announced that Will Levis will be the starting quarterback going forward and star running back Derrick Henry seemed to speak for the fan base when talking about his feelings on playing with Levis going forward. CLICK HERE
- RADUNZ MUST START AT LT: The Tennessee Titans have had struggles on the offensive line all year, but one player who keeps playing well is Dillon Radunz and now it is time for him to be a starter. CLICK HERE
- LEVIS NAMED STARTER: The Tennessee Titans will see rookie quarterback Will Levis continue to be the starter regardless of health of Ryan Tannehill according to head coach Mike Vrabel on Tuesday. CLICK HERE
- WILL LEVIS FILM ROOM: The Tennessee Titans are getting a look at rookie quarterback Will Levis and he showed all of the chaotic gorgeousness we expected from his college tape when the Titans lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 9. CLICK HERE
