Eagles-Titans preview: 5 things to watch

Key Points:

• The Philadelphia Eagles face a major challenge against Titans' defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons, a dominant interior lineman who led the NFL in several defensive categories in 2025; Eagles' rookie Drew Kendall will likely replace injured Landon Dickerson, marking a tough test for the Eagles' offensive line.
• The Titans' defense struggled in 2025, especially after trading key run stopper T'Vondre Sweat, making them vulnerable against the run; this presents the Eagles with a prime opportunity to establish their rushing attack, which is critical for their offensive success this season.
• While the Eagles showed big-play potential in Week 1, their offense lacked consistency, recording five 3-and-outs and only 10 first downs, well below the league average, highlighting the need for steadier offensive execution.
• Titans quarterback Cam Ward, often misunderstood as a dual-threat, is primarily a pocket passer with a strong arm but limited rushing attempts; his rookie season was marred by high sack and fumble rates, and the Titans' receiving corps lacks star power despite recent draft additions.
• The Titans' offensive line is a major weakness, featuring inexperienced and underperforming players, including two tackles prone to giving up sacks and a career backup at center; this creates a significant pass-rush opportunity for the Eagles, who are expected to capitalize on this matchup.