The Tennessee Titans finally broke into the win column in Week 6 and will look to build on that momentum when they host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The franchise hasn't won consecutive games since November 2022, so the task is daunting.
The Browns enter Week 7 with a surprising 4-2 record, but there are reasons to believe the Titans can pull off another upset. Here are three reasons for optimism heading into Sunday's matchup.
1. The Titans' offense scored on every second-half possession last week
Tennessee's offense has struggled to produce points consistently this season, but its second-half performance against Indianapolis offered a reason for encouragement. After being shut out in the first half, the Titans scored on all five of their second-half offensive possessions, producing one touchdown and four field goals.
The Titans' defense and special teams helped mightily, forcing three turnovers in the half, including a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown. Although the Titans still need to turn more long drives into scoring opportunities, their ability to consistently finish drives with points was a significant improvement.
2. The Titans' pass rush faces the NFL's most-sacked quarterback
Tennessee's defense delivered its best performance of the season against Indianapolis, recording six sacks and forcing three turnovers. Jeffery Simmons and Jermaine Johnson II each recorded two sacks, while Tony Adams and Jacob Martin added one apiece.
Now, the Titans face a Cleveland offensive line that has struggled to protect quarterback Deshaun Watson. Watson has been sacked an NFL-high 24 times through six games, creating a favorable matchup for Tennessee's defensive front for the second consecutive week.
3. The Browns' offensive struggles give Tennessee's defense hope
Despite Cleveland's impressive 4-2 record, its offense has struggled to consistently move the football and put points on the scoreboard. The Browns enter Week 7 averaging just 17.7 points per game, ranking 28th in the NFL. Their 267.5 yards per game ranks 29th.
The Titans held Indianapolis to seven second-half points last week, with their defensive pressure and takeaways playing a major role in the comeback. The sort of performance bodes well for a defense with momentum going into a matchup against a struggling offense at home.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns: 3 reasons for optimism