Here are three key matchups to watch when the Titans (1-2) face the Falcons (1-2) at 1 p.m Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Titans TE Delanie Walker vs. Falcons SLB DeVondre Campbell: Walker leads the Titans in receiving, with 16 catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns. With strong safety Keanu Neal out, Campbell is set to take over the primary role of covering tight ends. Walker, 35, has been to three Pro Bowls and played with Falcons linebacker coach Ulbrich from 2006-09 with the 49ers. Ulbrich will ave some tips for Campbell. "He's going to play forever," Ulbrich said of Walker. "He's just a mismatch. He's a wide receiver still at the tight end position. He can run. I was hoping that when I put on the film that he'd slowed down, but he has not. He's a challenge."
Titans RB Derrick Henry vs. Falcons MLB Deion Jones: Henry, a former Alabama star, has rushed 51 times for 510 yards and scored three touchdowns. He's also caught four passes for 89 yards and has a 75-yard touchdown on a screen pass. Henry is noted for his power runs, but the Falcons respect his speed. "Derrick is a back that if you don't corralled him or set edges, he can get loose," Ulbrich said. "He's a guy that's big. He gets a lot of credit for being big, but I don't know if he gets a lot of credit for being fast. You don't see anybody catching him when he runs away from people."
Titans FS Kevin Byard vs. Falcons QB Matt Ryan: With Ryan throwing interceptions at a high rate through three games, this one will be interesting. Byard, who signed a five-year, $70.5 million extension this offseason, is one of the league's top ball-hawking safeties. The former Middle Tennessee star from Lithonia's Martin Luther King Jr. High went to the Pro Bowl and was named All-Pro after the 2017 season when he led the league with eight interceptions.
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