The Tennessee Titans have an extremely difficult matchup versus the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8. They are understandably multi-score underdogs against a Bengals offense that has surpassed 30 points on three occasions this season. The Titans will be playing this game without DT Jeffery Simmons after trading him to the Chicago Bears . We've identified five Titans players who need big-time showings for the team to stand a chance on Sunday.
Quarterback Cam Ward arguably played the best game of his disappointing season versus the Cleveland Browns in Week 7. The sophomore No. 1 overall selection consistently converted on third downs and only made 2-3 throws he'd like back. Ward needs to build on that momentum versus a difficult Bengals opponent.
This Titans defensive line will probably struggle mightily without Simmons. Coach Saleh's defense undeniably needs more from John Franklin-Myers, who Mike Borgonzi indicated is working through a more difficult injury than fans realize. Franklin-Myers is the Titans' new DT1 (for now).
Cornerback Alontae Taylor was a healthy scratch in Week 6. He was active for Week 7, but did not play a single defensive snap, with Joshua Williams and Marcus Harris playing ahead of him. We're operating under the assumption Robert Saleh will attempt to involve Taylor against the Bengals. Whether that's as a boundary cornerback or nickelback remains to be seen.
Rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate continues emerging as Cam Ward's go-to target. Some critics believed the Titans overdrafted Tate at No. 4 overall. That absolutely hasn't looked like the case. For the Titans to keep pace with the Bengals, the Ward-Tate connection needs to be working.
Running back Tony Pollard arguably had a career-best day last weekend . He averaged more than five yards per attempt while rushing for 130 yards and three touchdowns. The Bengals have been stout versus the run, so we'll see if the Titans can enjoy another successful day on the ground.
