Titans vs. Bucs: 7 Players to watch

Aug 23, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) lines up to rush during the first half against the St. Louis Rams at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

OLB Brian Orakpo

Brian Orakpo spent his first six years in the NFL as a Washington Redskin but signed a 4-year, $31 Million contract with the Titans this offseason. He is a fierce pass rusher when healthy and will certainly be utilized when the Titans try to put pressure on Jameis Winston Sunday.

Tennessee was 29th in defensive DVOA last year, but they brought in long-time Steelers DC Dick LeBeau to run their defense. Orakpo will fit nicely on the outside in the 3-4 scheme LeBeau likes to run.

It’s worth noting that the Cleveland Browns had a lot of success running the 3-4 defense against Winston and the Bucs a few weeks ago. If the proper adjustments haven’t been made, then the Bucs could be in for a long afternoon.

Orakpo is certainly a player to watch when the Titans are on defense, but it will really be a team effort if they are going to get pressure on Winston when he throws the ball. They obviously want to force him into mistakes and if they show him some looks he’s never seen before that could definitely happen.

What could really set the tone when the Bucs have are on offense is how well they run the ball. Winston has shown he can be lethal coming out of play action, which is a great way to freeze pass rushers like Orakpo.

Winston is certainly not seasoned enough yet to be able to navigate through a crowded pocket and recognize every blitz that may come. It will be up to his offensive line to make sure he gets time to throw the ball every time he drops back.