Syndication: The Tennessean
Despite the extreme lengths social media often resorts to, saying Joshua Dobbs performed admirably in his first career start doesn’t mean anyone believes he’s Tennessee’s next franchise quarterback.
Nor does it mean anyone realistically thinks he’s about to lead the Titans on a Cinderella run.
It simply means they believe he gives the team the best option to be competitive for the remainder of the 2022 season.
In his first career NFL start in Week 17, Dobbs completed 20-of-39 passes for 232 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against one of the better defenses in the NFL.
This was even more impressive considering the NFL journeyman didn’t have Henry in the backfield making his job much easier. Oh yeah, not to mention the fact that he had only been on the team for eight days.
Dobbs now has the chance to help his new squad secure a division championship for the third consecutive season.
To do so, the Tennessee product will have to face the Jaguars’ 28th-ranked pass defense that is allowing over 240 yards per game through the air.
Jacksonville’s secondary is led by budding star cornerback Tyson Campbell. According to Pro Football Focus, the former Georgia star has an overall grade of 80.2, seventh-highest amongst all qualifying cornerbacks.
However, outside of Campbell, no other corner on the Jags ranks inside the top 70 of highest overall defensive grades at their respective positions, per PFF.
If the Titans are wise, the offense will do anything and everything to get Treylon Burks away from Campbell as much as possible to maximize the rookie wideout’s impact.
Whether that means motioning their young weapon all over the field in hopes of creating potential mismatches, or manufacturing targets for the rookie, the Titans have to do whatever it takes to get the ball to No. 16 early and often.
#Titans OC Todd Downing says it’s paramount this week trying to get the ball to rookies Chig Okonkwo and Treylon Burks.
— Teresa Walker (@TeresaMWalker) January 4, 2023
Chig Okonkwo is another playmaker that should be a priority for this passing offense on Saturday evening. The Maryland product has arguably been the most impressive rookie tight end in the NFL this season.
Okonkwo has routinely shown glimpses of stardom throughout the year, which undoubtedly gets the fanbase salivating about his potential future impact in Tennessee.
Nonetheless, with the Titans’ season on the line, and with the two rookies being their most explosive pass-catchers by far, it’s safe to say that the future needs to start now when it comes to prioritizing Burks and Okonkwo.
Look for Dobbs to feed his top two weapons from the jump in this one, while the Jaguars do everything possible to limit their presence from being felt.
