Oakland Raiders vs. Tennessee Titans Game Day Open Thread

The Oakland Raiders are in Nashville to take on the Titans – this is your place to talk about the game and all things Silver and Black.

The last time the Oakland Raiders squared off with the Tennessee Titans was actually just a few weeks back. It was week three of the preseason, to be exact. It was a bland, vanilla affair that the Titans won. The last time these two teams squared off in a game that actually mattered was last season.

In week twelve of the 2015 season, the Raiders scored a 24-21 victory over the Titans down in Nashville. It was a solid game for Derek Carr and the offense, rolling up 407 total yards in the win.

The defense had a solid afternoon as well, limiting Marcus Mariota and the Titans to 249 total yards of offense. They picked him off twice and sacked him two other times on the day.

But that was then and this is now.

Oakland’s defense, to put it mildly, is suspect. Having given up more than 500 yards a game and 69 points over the first two weeks of the season, it’s safe to say this revamped unit isn’t performing anywhere near as well as hoped.

Whether it’s DC Ken Norton Jr. or HC Jack Del Rio calling the plays, it’s clear that this Raiders defense needs to get on the ball. And get on the ball quickly.

Oakland is going to catch one huge break this week. Titans tight end Delanie Walker is on the day’s inactive list. It’s a good break for the Raiders as Walker contributed six catches for 91 yards against them last season. And given the way this defense has performed against tight ends this year (again), any break is a good break.

Of course, Tennesseee’s other two tight ends, Anthony Fasano and Harry Douglas chipped in with a combined five receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. So, it’s not like the Raiders can afford to let up on their short and intermediate pass coverage.

Because the Titans’ passing attack isn’t exactly – electric – something else Oakland’s defense must be cognizant of are the Tennessee running backs catching passes out of the backfield. DeMarco Murray, already a beast running the ball, leads Tennessee with 12 receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns.

Oakland has been getting eaten up on short and intermediate routes. Their weaknesses in the middle of that defense are getting exposed. Atlanta did a great job of carving them up. With rookies Cory James and Karl Joseph set to see their first significant action this season, the hope is they can bring a spark of life and help close down those routes.

Can they do it? Only time will tell.

Next: A Few Keys to Victory Over the Titans

It’s safe to say that the Raiders are going to have their hands full with a multi-faceted and diverse Tennessee attack. This is not a team they can afford to take lightly. It’s beyond critical that this defense step up and come ready to play.

What are the biggest concerns you have heading into this game? Will the defense rise to the occasion (finally) and come to play? Will they be able to slow or shut down what can be a potent Titans attack? Will Sean Smith finally start looking like the cornerback they thought they were signing? Will Khalil Mack get his first sack on the season? Will Carr and the offense keep rolling like they have for the first two weeks?

And most importantly – will the Raiders walk out of Nashville 2-1 or 1-2?

There are a ton of questions and storylines to talk about. And this is your place to talk about them all as well as all things Raider football. So step on up, call your shot and let your voice be heard.