| Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is expected to start for the Titans on Sunday against the Vikings. (US Presswire) |
Titans at Vikings -- Week 5
Where: Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, Minn. (turf, indoors)
When: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Vikings by 6
Records: Titans (Overall: 1-3, AFC South: 0-1); Vikings (Overall: 3-1, NFC North: 1-0)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Sept. 28, 2008: Titans 30, Vikings 17; Oct. 24, 2004. Vikings 20, Titans 3. Series record: Vikings lead 7-4
What matters: A fourth loss in five games could jeopardize the Titans ' chances to make the playoffs. When the schedule first came out, the game against the Vikings appeared to be the least challenging of the Titans’ first five games. But Minnesota has arguably been the league's most surprising team and is tied for the NFC North lead at 3-1. The Titans have been particularly bad on the road this season and could use a win for a major confidence boost.
Who matters: Matt Hasselbeck. With Jake Locker (shoulder) out, the 14-year veteran will receive his first start since losing the job in training camp. Vikings DE Jared Allen lauded Hasselbeck this week for his ability to get rid of the ball quickly. Hasselbeck, Allen said, releases the ball quicker than anyone in the league not named Peyton Manning. Allen, who ranks 19th all-time in career sacks in the NFL, has said that most quarterbacks get rid of the ball within 2.25 seconds of the snap. He might have to speed up his internal clock against Hasselbeck.
Key matchups: Chris Johnson vs. Adrian Peterson. Both teams could try to control the clock with their All-Pro running backs. Since the start of the 2008 season, Johnson leads the league with 5,831 rushing yards. Peterson is next with 5,743 yards. Johnson excelled on inside zone runs last week at Houston and finished with a season-high 141 yards. Peterson has recovered nicely from a knee injury that ended his 2011 season. The Titans must gang tackle Peterson if he gets to the second level.
Injuries of note: LB Colin McCarthy participated in team drills Wednesday for the first time since suffering an ankle sprain in the opening week against the Patriots. McCarthy missed practice Thursday but returned Friday and is listed as questionable. WR Kenny Britt hasn't practiced since suffering a sprained left ankle in Week 3 against the Lions. Britt did some cutting in individual running drills this week but slightly tweaked his ankle while jogging. TE Jared Cook has been limited most of the week with a shoulder injury but is probable. Allen (groin) missed the first two days of Vikings’ practice. Minnesota QB Christian Ponder was limited Wednesday and Thursday with a knee injury.
Inside stuff: The Titans’ defense has been porous against opposing tight ends. Through four weeks, Tennessee has allowed 39 catches for 396 yards and seven touchdowns vs. tight ends. The Vikings have operated out of a two-tight end set on about a quarter of their offensive snaps and roughly a third of their first downs. Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph is second on the team in catches with 15 and is tied for second in the league in touchdowns among tight ends with three.
Connections: Titans LG Steve Hutchinson spent the past six seasons with the Vikings, earning four straight Pro Bowls (2006-09). Defensive assistant/pass rush specialist Keith Millard was selected by the Vikings in the first round in the 1984 NFL Draft. In 1989, Millard set an NFL record for sacks in a season by a defensive tackle with 18.
Stat you should know: The Titans are last in the NFL in time of possession per game (24:20). The defense can't allow the Vikings to go on several time-consuming drives. Despite Peterson’s presence, Minnesota ranks 21st (29:27).
Record watch: TE Craig Stevens has been a pleasant surprise. Stevens needs 29 yards to set a career high for receiving yards in a season with 167.
Looking ahead: The Titans have a short week to prepare for the Steelers in a nationally televised Thursday night game. Tennessee will then have several days off before a Week 7 game at Buffalo on Oct. 21.
Prediction: Titans 27, Vikings 23
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Tennessee Titans, follow Matt Rybaltowski @CBSTitans.