Tennessee Titans Week 9 Preview

Introduction

After a thrilling victory against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8, the Tennessee Titans are riding high on momentum as they prepare for Week 9. The Titans showcased their ability to secure a win despite being underdogs, and now they look to build on that success. With the data from our advanced stats in hand, let’s dive into how the Titans performed last week and what we can expect in their upcoming matchup.

Power Ranking

Currently, the Titans sit at a power ranking of 25, which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly a badge of honor. With a win rate against a median opponent of just 45.0%, it’s clear that this team has room for improvement. However, a victory against the Falcons, who were favored by 2.5 points, is a step in the right direction. The Titans have shown they can pull off surprises, and as they continue to refine their game, we hope to see that ranking climb higher in the coming weeks.

Overall Drive Efficiency

The Titans’ overall drive efficiency ranks 25th in the league, which leaves much to be desired. While they managed to accumulate 375 yards against the Falcons, their drive efficiency indicates that they struggle to convert drives into points consistently. This inefficiency could be a factor in their close games, and as they move forward, finding ways to sustain drives and finish strong will be crucial for their success.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

On the defensive side, the Titans rank 17th in defensive drive efficiency. This middle-of-the-pack ranking suggests that while they can hold their own, there are opportunities for improvement. The defense allowed the Falcons to gain 342 yards, which highlights the need for tighter coverage and better tackling in the secondary. As they prepare for their next opponent, tightening up this aspect of their game will be essential to keep opposing offenses in check.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

Offensively, the Titans rank 24th in drive efficiency, which is a bit concerning given the talent on their roster. While they managed to score 28 points against the Falcons, their ability to sustain drives and convert on critical downs will be pivotal moving forward. The Titans need to find a rhythm and establish a more potent offensive strategy to improve their ranking and keep the scoreboard ticking in their favor.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

Here’s where the Titans have a glaring issue: they rank dead last in defensive turnover efficiency at 32nd overall. This means that generating turnovers has been a significant struggle for the Titans' defense. In a league where turnovers can swing the momentum of a game, this statistic is alarming. As they head into Week 9, finding ways to create turnovers will be essential in flipping the script and giving their offense more opportunities to score.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

On a brighter note, the Titans rank 7th in offensive turnover efficiency. This means they’ve done a commendable job of maintaining possession and not giving the ball away. With only one turnover against the Falcons, this efficiency has been a key factor in their success. As they continue to protect the ball, it will be crucial for them to capitalize on their offensive possessions and convert them into points.

Drive Time

The Titans rank 5th in drive time, which indicates that they take their sweet time moving down the field. While this can be beneficial in controlling the clock and maintaining possession, it can also lead to missed opportunities if drives stall. The balance between being methodical and being efficient is crucial, and the Titans will need to find that sweet spot as they move forward in the season.

Preview For Next Week

Looking ahead to Week 9, the Titans are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are favored by 3 points. The simulations from advancedfootballstats.com predict that the Titans have a 55.4% chance of winning, with a common projected score of 30-20 in favor of Tennessee. With the Steelers' defense being formidable, the Titans will need to step up their offensive efficiency and find ways to exploit any weaknesses. If they can maintain their offensive turnover efficiency while improving their defensive turnover efficiency, they may just pull off another upset.

Conclusion

The Titans have shown resilience and potential, but they must address their inefficiencies to continue their winning ways. As they gear up for a challenging matchup against the Steelers, the focus will be on tightening up their defense and maximizing their offensive opportunities. With the right adjustments, the Titans could very well turn their season around and make a push for the playoffs.

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Tennessee Titans' journey throughout the 2023 NFL season.