By Gia Lanci, Sports Talk
Philly Staff 
The Eagles were able to hold on and get a win against the Colts, mainly due to their red zone defense. The offense will need to step up to beat the Titans since they just could not get the job done against the Colts. The offense is looking for Jay Ajayi and Alshon Jeffery to be vital players coming back from injuries. The defense will have to hold off Mariota and their running attack in Tennessee. With Carson Wentz’s return last week, there was concern about him still being a little rusty. Going into this game with key players coming back, the Eagles will hopefully figure out their team chemistry.
Tackling the Titans
When the Eagles went up against the Titans in the 2014 season, they won 43-24. Their record after this game was 8-3. Some players that helped with the win were Jordan Matthews (6 receptions, 77 yards), Zach Ertz (4 receptions, 30 yards), Malcolm Jenkins (5 tackles) and Fletcher Cox (1 sack).
The Titans had a completely different team. Marcus Mariota was not the quarterback and their record was only 2-9. This season, the Titans are 2-1 with a good pass game coming off of a big win against one of the top defenses in the NFL, the Jaguars. The Eagles defense has one of the best defensive lines in the league right now. As long as they can stay healthy, they can continue to be a top defensive line.
Relying on the Defense
The defense was the main reason week four was successful. With crucial contributions from Derek Barnett, Fletcher Cox, Chris Long, Brandon Graham, Malcolm Jenkins and Nigel Bradham. They made major efforts to hold the Colts to 16 points, even with mistakes from the offense. The defense will need to make up for the injured Rodney McLeod.
Injury Report
Eagles
Out
RB Darren Sproles is still suffering from a hamstring injury. Wendell Smallwood will have a lot of action and is well prepared for the Titans. Safety Rodney McLeod tore his MCL last week against the Colts and will be out for the season. He had very good chemistry with Malcolm Jenkins. Veteran Corey Graham will have to take over his position.
Questionable
RB Corey Clement and LB Nathan Gerry were questionable last week as well, but were both able to play. The Eagles have Josh Adams available if Clement is unable to play and LaRoy Reynolds and DJ Alexander will provide extra depth at linebacker for Gerry. WR Alshon Jeffery will hopefully return this week. He was supposed to return in the start of the week, but then got sick with a virus and is questionable to return.
Titans
Out
After weeks of injuries, RB David Fluellen and T Dennis Kelly are the only Titans out this week. They are third string and second string respectively, so all starters are cleared to play against the reigning Super Bowl Champions.
Questionable
Backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert is the only Titan listed as questionable this week. If he is unable to go and Mariota’s injury flares up again, Tennessee will be in big trouble.
Marcus Mariota is expected to play, but his injury will definitely affect his throwing arm.
Broadcast Information
Time: 1:00 PM
TV: Fox
Radio: 94.1 FM WIP
Online: NFL.com
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