Ryan Tannehill – QB
The Vikings may try to shut down the Titans’ running game to force Ryan Tannehill to beat them, but that could easily backfire. The reason is that Tannehill has shockingly become a very good NFL quarterback. He is patient in the pocket and he throws an accurate pass, putting the ball where only his receivers can catch it.
Tannehill has had a very good 2020 season so far. He’s thrown for 488 yards with six touchdowns and zero interceptions. He’s proven that his 2019 campaign was no fluke and he appears to be the real deal.
One other aspect of Tannehill’s game that Minnesota needs to be aware of is his overall athletic ability. This guy was a former college wide receiver, so he possesses great speed and isn’t afraid to take off and run.
He can also use this athleticism to create extra time in the pocket. This isn’t good news for the Vikings pass rush that struggled to get any sort of heat on Aaron Rodgers in Week 1 who can move in a very similar fashion.
Minnesota needs to apply pressure on Tannehill and make him get the ball out earlier than he would like to if they want any chance of winning this Sunday. The Vikings also need to keep a linebacker spying on him so he isn’t able to scamper down the field and pick up a first down to extend a drive and keeps the defense on the field longer.
If Minnesota underestimates him because of his subpar stint in Miami, he could have a field day against this wounded defense.