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The Tennessee Titans return home to Nashville looking to finally give the home fans something to cheer about when they take on the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.
The Titans (2-8), have lost their last 10 games at Nissan Stadium, dating back to October of 2014. Tennessee enters the game after squandering yet another fourth-quarter lead last week in a 19-13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Raiders (4-6), also failed to hold a fourth-quarter lead last week, losing 18-13 to the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Derek Carr, who has thrown 21 touchdowns against just six interceptions, continues to impress in his second season. Carr has posted a passer rating of 99.4 through Oakland's first 10 games.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Raiders and the Titans.
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1. Involve Amari Cooper on the first play
It's easy to forget that a receiver as skilled as Cooper is still just a rookie finding his way in the league. Last weekend's output -- one catch for four yards and at least two drops -- is an alarming reminder. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave knows Cooper does most of his damage early in games. He'll need to dial something up for No. 89 right away to rebuild his confidence.
2. Slide protection to Brian Orakpo's side
The ex-Washington pass-rusher is having a bounce-back year in Nashville. Orakpo (seven sacks) has a legendary jump made to embarrass power blockers like Donald Penn. Lee Smith returns from wrist surgery as a blocking tight end who could help vs. No. 98 in the trenches.
3. Khalil Mack: Quarterback spy?
Head coach Jack Del Rio stood his best pass-rusher up at linebacker last week in a desperation move. He might have to do it again; the team is thin and slow as a position mobile quarterbacks easily exploit. Mack is probably Oakland's best answer for a scrambling Marcus Mariota (five carries, 29 yards, TD in Week 11) with Aldon Smith suspended.
1. Find another target beside Walker
Delanie Walker once again led the Titans in receiving with eight catches for 109 yards against the Jaguars. The problem for the Titans is that quarterback Marcus Mariota doesn't have a reliable second option to throw to other than the veteran tight end. Getting wide receiver Kendall Wright back in the lineup this week should help, but the Titans need to find another pass catcher to keep opposing defenses from focusing on Walker.
2. Slow down Cooper and Crabtree
The Raiders boast a pair of talented receivers in rookie Cooper and veteran Michael Crabtree. The Titans have the league's third best pass defense, yielding an average of 214.2 yards per game. If the Titans can contain the Oakland passing game, it will force the Raiders to rely on an inconsistent rushing attack. Oakland is 23rd in the league in rushing, averaging 97.1 yards per game.
3. Make Carr uncomfortable
The Titans, who are are second in the NFL with 31 sacks and coming off a four-sack performance last week against the Jaguars, face a challenge going up against an Oakland offensive line that has given up just 13 sacks all season. Orakpo and the Titans pass rush need to find a way to get to Carr. If the young quarterback has all day to throw, he's shown he will make opposing teams pay.
