The Titans and Rams clash in a preseason battle on Saturday night at 8 p.m. EST.
Last year was a rough one for the Titans as they finished 6-10, missing out on the playoffs and dismissing long-time head coach Jeff Fisher.
The Rams, on the other hand, were better than anyone expected, finishing the season 7-9, though a loss against Seattle in Week 17 cost the team a playoff berth.
Of course, any time these two teams get together it brings back memories of Super Bowl 34. Although the rosters have completely turned over, it will surely be a talking point on the broadcast.
Where: Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri
When: Saturday, Aug. 20 at 8 p.m. EST
Watch: WXRN Channel 2 (Nashville), KTVI Channel 2 (St. Louis); online at NFL.com (must pay $19.99 for league-wide package), live look-ins on NFL Network; game replay: Monday, Aug. 22 4 p.m. EST NFL Network
Listen: WGFX 104.5 The Zone, Sirius Channel 138 (Nashville), WXOS 101.1 FM, Sirius Channel 92 (St. Louis)
Titans' Key Additions
Matt Hasselbeck is not the quarterback that he used to be, but if he can stay healthy he should be a solid producer for this team. His real value will come with how he helps rookie Jake Locker adjust to the NFL.
Barrett Ruud is a tackling machine at linebacker and the Titans were able to sign him cheap. He is not a star, but he will upgrade a mediocre run defense.
Rams' Key Additions
Mike Sims-Walker is not an elite receiver, but he is a solid producer and the Rams had a void to fill at that position. He should be Sam Bradford's favorite target this season.
The Rams secondary let them down at times last year, but they are hoping the addition of Quintin Mikell will help them be more consistent. He has strong instincts and always seems to be around the ball.
Titans' Key Losses
Jason Babin was the best pass rusher on the team. He was starting to come into his own but the Titans let him slip away as they begin an arduous rebuilding project. Replacing his production—12.5 sacks—will not be easy.
Kerry Collins' retirement was easier for the team to take when they were able to lure Hasselbeck in, but he acted as a second coach and was a good fit for this young team. His presence in the locker room will be missed.
What They're Saying
John Glennon of The Tennessean spoke with Titans head coach Mike Munchak and was told that the first-team will likely play the entire first half.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch wrote that wide receiver Donnie Avery, who missed all of 2010 with a torn ACL, is likely to see action inSaturday's game.
Titans' Player To Watch
Jake Locker is the future quarterback of this team. He needs to make the most of these preseason learning opportunities because he is not likely to start again until late in the season, unless Matt Hasselbeck gets injured.
Rams' Player To Watch
Robert Quinn was one of the best pure pass rushers in the 2011 NFL draft. He was a projected top-10 pick by some, but fell to the Rams at No. 14. This team needs a consistent pass rush to make up for a lack of depth in the secondary, and Quinn's performance will be critical to that defensive line.
Prediction
Neither team is particularly deep, but the Rams have the better team overall so they should win this one—30-17 St. Louis.
Dwayne Wade Brian Wilson Eli Whiteside Mike Fontenot Brett Pill Pat Burrell
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