Eagles-Titans Game Preview: Who Will Win in Week 2?
The Philadelphia Eagles will travel down south to visit the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Week 2. The Eagles will be battling both the Titans and the elements, as the temperature is expected to feel like over 100 degrees during the game. Luckily, the Eagles will be wearing the team’s all white uniforms to help combat the scorching heat.
While Philadelphia’s fans are likely hoping for more of an stress-free performance than they dealt with last week, Tennessee won’t be willing to roll over. After being embarrassed by the New York Jets in Week 1, the Titans are likely eager to bounce back and prove themselves against one of the top teams in the NFC.
Here’s my game preview for the Week 2 matchup between the Eagles and the Titans.
Three Storylines To Follow
Can Jalen Hurts Finally Defeat Robert Saleh?
The matchup between Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Titans interior defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons has received most of the attention ahead of Sunday’s matchup, especially following Simmons’ comments about Hurts. “We just need to make Jalen Hurts be a QB,” Simmons controversially stated. Yet what if that was a directive from Titans head coach Robert Saleh?
Hurts has struggled in two career games against Saleh, where his defenses forced Hurts to “be a QB.” Here’s a look at Hurts’ stat lines against Saleh:
NYJ 20, PHI 14 on 10/15/2023: 28/45 for 280 yards, 1 TD and 3 INTs with 8 rushes for 47 yards and 1 TD
SF 23, PHI 19 on 1/11/2026: 20/35 for 168 yards, 1 TD with 5 rushes for 14 yards
Hurts and the Eagles have been upset by Saleh’s defense twice before. Saleh has dared Hurts to throw in the past with 80 pass attempts across two games. While Hurts dealt with a few drops in the postseason loss, it’s fair to wonder if Hurts will finally be able to figure out Saleh’s defense. It’s clear that Saleh, Simmons and the Titans want to limit Hurts on the ground. Can Hurts prove them wrong with his arm?
No Landon Dickerson, No Problems?
Philadelphia’s offense was clearly hampered by the play of starting left guard Landon Dickerson last week. Dickerson allowed four total pressures, including one sack, according to Pro Football Focus. It was a concerning performance that forced Eagles first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion to completely change his game plan. It was clear that Dickerson was injured and he was swiftly placed on injured reserve following the regular season opener.
Now the Eagles are reportedly expected to turn to second-year offensive lineman Drew Kendall at left guard. The 24-year-old has yet to play guard during the NFL’s regular season and has played a total of 54 snaps at left guard during the preseason. It’ll be a tall task for Kendall, especially against Simmons, in his first start at the position. Does swapping Dickerson for Kendall truly fix all of Philadelphia’s offensive line issues? We’ll find out soon enough.
Can Philadelphia’s Pass Rush Be Good Enough?
The Eagles registered 22 total pressures against the Commanders in Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus. Yet Philadelphia’s pass rush still wasn’t good enough, in the eyes of Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. The 68-year-old play caller never holds back when he’s talking to the media and he let his pass rush know how he truly felt following last week’s victory. Fangio said that Philadelphia’s overall pass rush “really wasn’t good enough.”
Now the Eagles will have a chance to bounce back against the Titans, who struggled to protect starting quarterback Cam Ward against the Jets last week. Tennessee’s offensive line allowed 11 total pressures, as Ward was rattled and sacked a total of three times. Eagles inside linebacker Jihaad Campbell was the only player on Philadelphia’s defense to record a sack last week. The Titans could provide the Eagles’ pass rush with a much-needed bounce back opportunity in Week 2.
Two Underrated Players To Watch For
Darius Cooper, WR, PHI
Earlier this summer, it felt like Eagles second-year wide receiver Darius Cooper was going to have a big role in Philadelphia’s offense. Yet Cooper was limited to just eight offensive snaps in Week 1, as he rotated in behind DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon. Despite his workload, Cooper made his presence felt as a blocker and “dirty work” wide receiver against the Commanders.
While Philadelphia’s rushing offense struggled, they found success on the ground when Cooper was on the field. On the five designed run plays with Cooper on the field, Philadelphia’s offense recorded 62 total rushing yards. Therefore, the Eagles averaged 12.4 yards per carry when Cooper was on the field. If the Eagles want to have success on the ground in Week 2, Cooper could see a significant uptick in snaps played and have a bigger impact against the Titans.
Chimere Dike, WR, TEN
One underrated area where the Eagles struggled in Week 1 was on special teams coverage. Philadelphia allowed two different players to record a kickoff return of over 30 yards, while also allowing a 19-yard punt return. The Eagles missed seven tackles on special teams, according to Pro Football Focus. Philadelphia’s special teams unit won’t be able to make the same mistakes down in Tennessee.
Titans second-year wide receiver Chimere Dike is one of the best return specialist in the NFL. The 24-year-old was named a First-Team All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl during his rookie season last year. Dike had two punt return touchdowns in 2025, while averaging an absurd 17.3 yards per punt return. He also had a season-long kick return of 71 yards. If Philadelphia’s special teams coverage unit struggles again, Dike could have a big day against the Eagles.
One Key Matchup To Monitor
Cooper DeJean vs. Wan’Dale Robinson
Eagles All-Pro defensive back Cooper DeJean had an uncharacteristically poor performance against the Commanders in Week 1. DeJean allowed seven receptions on nine targets for 83 yards and one touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus. He was also called for two penalties and had one missed tackles. It was a rough showing that may have been caused by the calf and abdomen injuries that DeJean has since been listed on the team’s injury report with.
While DeJean is expected to play against the Titans in Week 2, he’ll face another tough matchup. The Titans signed wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson to a four-year, $78 million deal this offseason, as he followed former Giants head coach Brian Daboll to Tennessee. Robinson played a big role in New York’s upset win over the Eagles last season, as he hauled in six receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown. If DeJean is still banged up, he could struggle to contain Robinson in Tennessee.
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Final Score Predictions
Anthony’s Pick: Eagles 27, Titans 17
After narrowly escaping with a two-point win in Week 1, Philadelphia’s fans are likely hoping for a stress-free win on the road down in Tennessee. While the Eagles should win by double-digits, it wouldn’t surprise me if it’s a one-possession game for most of this matchup. Jalen Hurts has struggled against Titans head coach Robert Saleh in the past and will finally get his redemption in Week 2.
Josh’s Pick: Eagles 24, Titans 13
Thankfully the Eagles made the change at LG after Landon Dickerson was a complete liability in Week 1. That alone should allow the offense to operate on schedule. And fortunately the Titans are a great chance to build some momentum on both sides of the ball (and fortunately Jalen Hurts to respond to Jeffery Simmons). I expect a crisper operation on offense and Vic Fangio’s defense will disrupt any good QB play from Cam Ward.