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1. What will be different from the last time the Chiefs and Titans played?
MCM: Just about everything.
Jake Locker on the field is probably the biggest thing. There are still a lot of questions surrounding Locker, but the offense is better with him under center than Ryan Fitzpatrick (whom the Chiefs faced last year).
There is also a new coaching staff that is actually a competent NFL staff. Say what you want about Ken Whisenhunt the head coach, but The Whiz is an excellent play caller. He is definitely an upgrade over Dowell Loggains, who called the plays for the Titans last season.
The Titans are also now a 3-4 defense instead of the 4-3 that they had run last season and since the beginning of time. That is still a work in progress but again there was an upgrade at coordinator from Jerry Gray to Ray Horton.
2. How will Dexter McCluster be used?
MCM: No one is 100 percent sure about that yet. They didn't really tip that hand in the preseason. My best guess is that they are going to use him like Whiz used Danny Woodhead in San Diego last season. That means he will get some carries, but will primarily be used as a receiver out of the backfield. He will also return punts. That will be fun to watch!
3. The Chiefs have a questionable offensive line. Which Titans pass rushers will they need to watch out for the most?
MCM: Jurrell Casey would be at the top of that list. He was a terror as a 4-3 defensive tackle last season. We are still not 100 percent sure how Horton will use him in the new 3-4 but they signed him to a contract extension last week so there is no doubt there is a plan.
The rest of the pass rush is a big question mark. They will have Derrick Morgan and Kamerion Wimbley starting at outside linebacker. Both of those guys were 4-3 ends last season. Wimbley is better suited to be an outside linebacker, but Morgan has never played the position as far as I can tell.
4. How confident are you that the Titans can stop or slow down Jamaal Charles?
More from the enemy
More from the enemy
MCM: I am not very confident about that at all. On one hand it seems like they should be able to do it because, let's be honest, they don't really have to game plan to stop any of the Chiefs receivers with Dwayne Bowe out. With that being said, the Titans didn't tackle anyone the entire preseason. That doesn't bode well when you are facing a guy that is as dynamic as Charles.
5. What is the state of the Titans offensive line?
MCM: The Titans offensive line is one of the strengths of the team. They have invested a lot in the line over the last couple of years. Michael Roos, the Titans left tackle, might be the best player on the entire team. They gave Andy Levite, the left guard, a bunch of money in free agency last year. Center Brian Schwenke was a fourth round pick in 2013 and played well last season. Chance Warmack, the right guard, was a top 15 pick in 2013. Michael Oher, the right tackle, also got a big free-agent contract. They need this group to be really good, and they should be.
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