Top 5 Tennessee Titans that Must Play Against the Chicago Bears

The Tennessee Titans will likely sit a good number of their starters in their first preseason game of the year, but here are some players that need to take the field against the Chicago Bears.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans under head coach Mike Vrabel do not often play their starters in the preseason, but that shouldn't be their approach this year with all of the changes that happened in the offseason.

With a new front office, remodeled coaching staff and flipped roster, the Titans can't lean on the continuity they had in previous years. With that in mind, there are Titans players and position groups that may not have played in previous preseasons that need to play starting Saturday against the Chicago Bears.

Starting Offensive Line

The Titans will have four new starters on their projected starting offensive line heading into Week 1. The only returner is Aaron Brewer at center and even he is making a position change. That is a lot of change.

Not to mention, most of the Titans' expected starters either haven't been starters in the NFL consistently or at all. 

Andre Dillard is set at left tackle, but has been mostly a backup during his time in Philadelphia before signing with the Titans as a free agent. Similarly, right guard Daniel Brunskill moved in and out of the starting lineup in San Francisco. Left guard Peter Skoronski is a rookie and right tackle Chris Hubbard was signed a few weeks ago and hasn't been a consistent starter since 2019.

You add in the fact this is a brand-new offense with a brand-new offensive coordinator and offensive line coach and you can see exactly why this offensive line needs to be out on the field even in the first week of the preseason.

If you need even more convincing, the Titans need to properly evaluate the young quarterbacks vying for the backup job in Malik Willis and Will Levis. You can accomplish that while helping your new offensive line find chemistry against some second-team defensive lines. The group needs to play.

Kyle Philips - WR

Philips gets a lot of hype for his precision in training camp drills and his potential to be a prototypical slot receiver, but after only playing in four games and catching eight passes last season, he needs to prove that hype is justified. 

Philips needs reps to improve and prepare. He hasn't shown enough or progressed enough to take these preseason opportunities away from him. Not just at receiver either, but also as a punt returner. Philips is a dynamic return man, but he muffed two punts last season before having the role stripped from him.

Philips needs to have a stress-free environment to get his returning confidence back and also continue to work on his craft as a receiver. He is only heading into his second season after all.

Elijah Molden - DB

Molden showed great promise his rookie season. He operated as an early-down slot corner and used his instincts and physicality to act as a pseudo-linebacker in the Titans' nickel defense. His second year did not go as well.

Molden suffered a groin injury in camp and was never the same all year on his way to playing in just two games. Molden needs to be out on the field to regain the confidence in his body more than anything.

Also, Molden switched positions this offseason from cornerback to safety. While he is expected to great some snaps at both spots, Molden will need plenty of learning opportunities to properly acquiesce to the new role.

Rashad Weaver - Edge 

Weaver had his rookie season cut short after just two regular season games in 2021 due to a leg break, making 2022 feel like his rookie season. Weaver impressed with 5.5 sacks last year, but also had undisciplined moments that made you question whether he is a starting-level edge.

Weaver will now head into his third season with only 2022's experience, he simply needs reps to continue to improve, like with Philips and Molden. Weaver also mentioned he added some lower body strength this offseason, allowing him to adjust to his new fitness level and practice his game against second-string tackles is just what he needs.

The Rookies

We already discussed the Titans first-round pick, Peter Skoronski, in the offensive line section, but he is not the only rookie we will focus on. Rather, all of them need to play. Every last one. 

Whether that be the drafted rookies or the undrafted, if you have never played in an NFL game before, you need to be out on the field against the Bears. Luckily, I am positive Mike Vrabel will obliged. 

For most of these rookies, this will be the most important few weeks of games in their life as they fight for not only a roster spot, but their career in the NFL. Playing time is not only a hope, but a requirement for most of the bottom of the roster as the Titans try to craft their group for 2023.

Titans Training Camp Stories

• Titans Stadium Video: The Tennessee Titans will be getting a new stadium in the coming years and the team just released an exciting video with new views and renderings of what the project should look like when complete. CLICK HERE
• Titans' D Dominates: The Tennessee Titans' defense continues to dominate training camp and on Tuesday they were able to get two interceptions off of starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill. CLICK HERE
• Fulton Finds Consistency: The Tennessee Titans corner back is looking to develop more on-field consistency by making some changes to his off-field habits. CLICK HERE