Titans at Broncos: Who has the edge in 2020 season opener? – Tennessean

Who has the edge when the Titans head to Denver to face the Broncos in the season opener on Monday Night Football (9:20 p.m., ESPN/WZTV-17)?

The Broncos offense is young and exciting but also largely unproven. The additions of running back Melvin Gordon and rookie receivers Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler, who might miss the opener because of a hamstring injury, are a significant boost to an offense that already was brimming with young talent, including quarterback Drew Lock and wide receiver Courtland Sutton. But the Titans bring back 10 of 11 starters from an offense that averaged 30.4 points per game in Weeks 7-17 last season. Theres no reason to believe they cant pick up where they left off.

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This category became much closer in the days leading up to the opener thanks to one name: Jadeveon Clowney. The edge rushers versatility changes the complexion of the Titans defense and raises the overall profile of the group. Still, Denvers defense is its strength it ranked 10th in points allowed, 12th in total yards allowed and first in defensive red-zone percentage last season. The unit lost a star in cornerback Chris Harris Jr. but gained one in a defensive lineman whom Titans fans know well: Jurrell Casey. Once Clowney and Vic Beasley are fully up to snuff for the Titans, they probably get the nod here.

The Titans bring back Pro Bowl punter Brett Kern, who is among the best at his position in the NFL. But uncertainty still looms at kicker. Can Stephen Gostkowski revert to his old form and bounce back from October hip surgery? Time will tell. For now, Denver and kicker Brandon McManus, who hit 29 of 34 field-goal attempts and all but one extra-point attempt last season, have the edge.

With so many returning faces on offense, the Titans hold an advantage over the Broncos after an offseason that limited the opportunities NFL teams had to mesh on the field. The momentum of an AFC championship game appearance is difficult to carry over eight months later, but the jolt the Tennessee defense gets with arguably the most exciting free-agent acquisition in Titans-era history in Clowney is something thats tangible.

The nod here goes to the coach who ended last season by guiding his team on an improbable run to the AFC championship game. This year, Mike Vrabel figures to take on more of the defensive play-calling duty with Dean Pees out of the picture, though its still unclear how hell divvy up that responsibility between himself and outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen. In any event, Vic Fangio, entering his second season as Broncos coach after a 7-9 debut, still has more to prove than his Week 1 counterpart.

Erik Bacharach, Titans beat writer

Titans 27, Broncos 23: 337 days separate the last time these two teams played in Denver, but this is far from the Titans squad whose punchless offense couldnt muster a point in a 16-0 nightmare last October. Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry and company begin writing a new chapter of offensive success for Tennessee as JadeveonClowney plays an impactful role in his Titans debut.

Gentry Estes, sports columnist

Titans 24, Broncos 20:The Broncos will be better this season, but familiarity after a weird offseason should favor the Titans, who were also very good on the road in Week 1 last season. The altitude does matter, yes, but it's a big deal that the Broncos won't have their usual home-field advantage without fans.

Reach Erik Bacharach atebacharach@tennessean.comand on Twitter @ErikBacharach.

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Titans at Broncos: Who has the edge in 2020 season opener? - Tennessean