5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Tennessee Titans – Week 3
By Chris Schad
Clowney will have a field day
The Titans had a solid defense entering the season, but they added a major piece when they signed Jadeveon Clowney prior to training camp.
As one of the league’s most intimidating pass-rushers, Clowney’s presence added another dimension to the Tennessee defense and he is the type of player the Vikings do not want to see on Sunday.
Through the first two games, Clowney has collected eight pressures (seventh among qualifying edge defenders per PFF). While he hasn’t recorded his first sack in a Titans jersey, his presence is enough to shift attention his way, which frees up opportunities for his teammates to wreak havoc.
Minnesota’s offensive line (and plenty of play-action passes) have allowed Kirk Cousins to do his job, but things could be a lot worse come Sunday.
With Dru Samia looking to scrub the memory of getting blasted by DeForest Buckner and Dakota Dozier playing like a high-end backup, Tennessee head coach Mike Vrabel will find ways to get Clowney matched up in the middle.
Such a scenario could spell doom for the Vikings and hinder the offense for the third consecutive week.