NASHVILLE – The Titans face the Chicago Bears in the preseason finale on Saturday night at Nissan Stadium.
Here's a look at six things to watch in the contest:
Carnell's Momentum
Rookie receiver Carnell Tate has a chance to end the preseason with even more confidence. Tate has been quiet so far in the preseason, with zero catches on five targets. Some of the throws his way haven't been catchable. Tate had seven catches and two touchdowns in Thursday's joint practice against the Bears while reminding everyone why the team picked him fourth overall in the draft. It makes sense for the Titans to get Tate a few touches in Saturday's game.
Back-up QBs
Starting quarterback Cam Ward won't play against the Bears tonight, after his work in the joint practice this week. What that means is Will Levis and Hendon Hooker will get most of the reps for the Titans. The game would provide a tune-up for Trubisky, the team's back-up QB, if he plays. This much is certain: It's one more chance for Levis and Hooker to show what they've got to the Titans, and perhaps thme rest of the NFL.
Defense
The Titans defenders didn't seem overly concerned with the two big plays allowed in this past Sunday's game against the Seahawks, but it sure didn't look pretty. Yes, there are teaching moments that come out of these preseason games, but we're getting close to the real thing and it's time to get things buttoned up. Titans coach Robert Saleh was happy with the amount of work and reps the team got vs the Bears, so the majority of the starters won't play in this one. No matter who the Titans and Bears play, the Titans need to look sharper.
Offensive Line
Four of the team's starting spots on the offensive line have been locked up, including LT Dan Moore, LG Peter Skoronski, C Austin Schlottmann, and RT JC Latham. The right guard spot is now in the hands of rookie Fernando Carmona, and the team has been pleased with his progress. But things are still unsettled here, with a bunch of other o-linemen becoming available on Sunday during massive roster cuts. The Titans want to see Carmona settle in even more, and they'll be watching him closely. Others, meanwhile, will be competing for their jobs against those on the team, and across the league.
Back-ups fighting for spots
The Titans, like the other teams across the NFL, must be down to 53 players by Sunday afternoon. I suspect roughly 51 spots have been solidified by now, and the decisions now are centered on whether the team carries an extra player at one position vs another. Injuries, of course, also play a factor – we saw that went Jaylen Harrell and Jaren Kanak suffered season-ending injures in the preseason opener. The Titans want to see guys competing for these final spots, and they want to see everyone stay healthy.
Special Teams
OK, so this is where the ties are broken in the hunt for roster spots. Guys who excel here enhance their chances of making the roster. The final preseason game provides another opportunity to players to prove their value. Plus, kicker Joey Slye has been worth watching in the preseason as well – he's a perfect 8-of-8 in the two preseason games. But, wouldn't it be nice seeing him come out for extra points instead?
