Tale of the tape

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Week 2: Tennessee Titans At San Diego Chargers

Titans

Chargers

Jake Locker suffered a left shoulder injury in the Tennessee’s season-opening loss to the Patriots and was replaced by veteran Matt Hasselbeck. Titans head coach Mike Munchak said he expects Locker to be in the lineup against the Chargers, but he will likely wear a harness.	Quarterback	Philip Rivers did not have an explosive game against the Raiders, but he had to be relieved that he did not throw an interceptions. Rivers is an unconventional passer but he is a solid leader.
The Titans could not get their running game going against the Patriots. They will desperately try to unleash speedy Chris Johnson against the Chargers. Tight end Jared Cook caught a team-high four passes against New England.	Offense	The Charger ground game was nearly invisible against the Raiders, but wideouts Malcolm Floyd and Robert Meachem can stretch the field and make big plays. Tight end Antonio Gates suffered a rib injury vs. the Raiders but returned to catch 4 passes for 43 yards.
The Titans should find it much easier to assert themselves against the Chargers after facing the explosive Patriots in Week One. Linebacker Akeem Ayers had a hand in 11 tackles against the Pats. Cornerback Jason McCourty is a strong cover man	Defense	The Chargers will need time to get used to new defensive coordinator John Pagano but they were solid in Week One against the Raiders. Free safety Eric Weddle and strong safety Atari Bigby are both productive and instinctive players.
Rob Bironas is a dependable placekicker who has a strong leg. Punter Brett Kern is a good directional punter. The Titans cover kickoffs and punts well.	Special Teams	Nate Kaeding started the season in stellar fashion, making all five of his field goal attempts against the Raiders. The Chargers blocked a punt and tackled Raider punter Shane Lechler on two other occasions. It was a huge victory for San Diego special teams in Week One.

The winner is

Chargers

3 out of 4

The Chargers are better in most areas than the Titans, but Tennessee will get a lift because they are not playing the Patriots. A short work week followed by a trip to the east coast is not always a winning formula for most west coast teams.

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