Buccaneers-Titans: 3 things to keep an eye on

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 13: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans fumbles the ball after being sacked by Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 13: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans fumbles the ball after being sacked by Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 28: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gets sacked by Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Heinz Field on September 28, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 28: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gets sacked by Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Heinz Field on September 28, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Dealing with injuries to the defensive line

Unfortunately, the Bucs will be thin along the defensive front against the Titans. With Vita Vea and Mitch Unrein likely out, a few players will be pulled out of position to man the defensive tackle position.

While Jason Pierre-Paul and Vinny Curry are capable of moving to tackle in a pinch, the coaching staff won’t risk their health in the preseason. It will be up to the backups to step up and show the coaching staff how versatile they can be.

Last week, William Gholston was forced to move inside to help matters and he may have to play out of position again. Gerald McCoy and Beau Allen will open the game, but they will only see the field for a series or two.

As the game moves along, issues will arise for the Tampa Bay defense. Like Gholston, players like Patrick O’Connor and Demone Harris may need to move to the interior with no other options available.

Bucs-Titans joint practice roundup. dark. Next

Players on the outside looking in can use this as an opportunity to stand out. A strong performance when the team is in need of a minor miracle could be the difference in being sent to the practice squad, and suiting up on Sundays.