When the schedule for the 2015 NFL regular season was set, it's likely that the battle between the worst teams from 2014 in Week 1 was overlooked. Now though, it means quarterbacks Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, the No. 1 and No. 2 picks are set to square off right out of the gate. Which quarterback will get the early lead in the race to find out who will have the better NFL career? The Buccaneers are in danger of being without second-year wide receiver Mike Evans, which could be a big factor in the outcome of this one.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Titans and the Buccaneers.
TITANS:
1. Give Marcus Mariota time to operate
The Titans will be starting a new-look offensive line, feature rookie Jeremiah Poutasi at right tackle and veteran Byron Bell at left guard. With Mariota making his regular-season debut, the line needs to allow the rookie time to work, as well as open up running lanes for Bishop Sankey.
2. Get to Winston
Winston was sacked seven times in the preseason. The Titans' pass rush, led by outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan need to apply pressure on the rookie early and often and try to force him into mistakes.
3. Limit Vincent Jackson
The Titans may catch a break since Evans is dealing with a hamstring issue, but the Buccaneers still have another 1,000-yard receiver in Jackson. Tennessee will be without its best cornerback in Jason McCourty, who is out after having groin surgery. Veteran Coty Sensabaugh will likely start opposite Perrish Cox at corner, but the position is definitely not an area of strength for the team heading into Week 1. Preventing Jackson -- as well as talented tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins -- from having big days will be key.
BUCCANEERS:
1. Don't ask Winston to do too much
It's important to realize that while Buccaneers fans so badly want Winston to be their QB of the future, it won't happen overnight. If the team asks Winston to do too much, it'll just be a disaster waiting to happen. Winston will need to be given time to work with, but he also can't be forced to throw it 40 times in his first NFL game.
2. Get the run game going early and often
If the Buccaneers hope to win this game, they need to control the clock, keep pressure off of Winston and allow their defense to rest. The best, and only way to do this, is by getting their run game going. Running back Doug Martin rushed 20 times for 118 yards and a score during the preseason. If he can replicate this play against the Titans, then Tampa will be sitting pretty.
3. Throw different looks at Mariota
Mariota has tremendous upside and may turn into one of the strongest quarterbacks in the NFL when all is said and done. For now, though, he's still a rookie heading into his first NFL game. This is something the Buccaneers need to take full advantage of, by throwing different looks and blitzes at the young QB. Expect Lovie Smith to do everything possible to make Mariota's head spin on Sunday.
