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Six Things to Watch in Titans vs. Buccaneers

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Titans face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their second preseason game on Saturday night at Nissan Stadium.

Here's a look at six things to watch:

Corey Davis debut

Titans receiver Corey Davis was in uniform for warmups prior to the team's preseason opener at Green Bay, but he didn't end up playing after missing practices leading up to the contest. Well, Davis returned this week, and he's set to play against the Buccaneers. Davis is a game-changer when he's healthy, and on his game. We saw that in a Wednesday practice against the Buccaneers. A day later, he wasn't as noticeable. How will he perform in his limited work his first time out in the game?

Marcus Mariota and the first team offense

Yes, quarterback Marcus Mariota and the first team offense looked sharp against Green Bay, but let's admit: It was one drive, so it hardly proved the team is ready for the regular season. Mariota was 2-of-3 for 42 yards and a touchdown pass to Darius Jennings on that 9-play, 71-yard drive, and he had a nice sprint to the outside. The group is expected to get more extended work against the Buccaneers, so it will be a bigger test, and one worth watching.

Titans cornerbacks vs Buccaneers receivers

We saw some pretty good battles between the Titans cornerbacks and the Buccaneers receivers in the joint practices. Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson won some of them, and Titans cornerbacks Malcolm Butler, Adoree' Jackson and Logan Ryan had their moments as well, especially Jackson on Thursday. None of these guys will be out there long, but it should be good competition. After giving up a deep ball in Green Bay, Butler will be looking to clamp down early in his Nissan Stadium debut.

Taylor Lewan vs. Jason Pierre-Paul

For the most part, both teams behaved in practices this week. Sure, there was some pushing and shoving, and some choice words, after a handful of plays, but no full-blown brawls. Lewan and Pierre-Paul competed as well, and their personal battle will be a treat for at least a few series. Lewan contained Pierre-Paul on most plays in practices, but the defensive end got Lewan on some rushes as well. Keep an eye on them in the game.

The youngsters

It's preseason game No.2, which means the starters won't play a whole bunch. It also means there will be opportunities for a lot of young guys trying to make the roster. Running back Akrum Wadley will look to build on a pretty impressive preseason debut (minus the fumble), and edge rusher Sharif Finch has another chance to make a good impression. The undrafted receivers, including the surging Deontay Burnett, would like to stand out, as well as quarterback Luke Falk. All will be on display.

Nick Williams

Williams, formerly with the Falcons, has emerged as a contender in training camp. The 5-foot-10 receiver caught a short pass and turned it into a 38-yard gain against the Packers. He's worked with the ones when the team went three-wide in recent practices, and he's getting work in the return game. Williams wasn't in my top 6 at the position at the start of camp, but he is now.

TitansOnline.com looks back at the all-time series against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (AP Photos)

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