What players and coaches are saying ahead of Raiders versus Titans in Week 14

Looking to rebound after two embarrassing losses, the Raiders welcome in the Tennessee Titans in Week 14. A win over the Titans would be critical as they would possess the tie-breaker over both the Titans and Colts.

With a win and a Steelers loss, the Raiders would find themselves back in the playoff picture in the final wildcard spot.

Let’s take a look at what players and coaches are saying ahead of this pivotal AFC matchup between the Titans and Raiders.

Raiders

Running back DeAndre Washington on starting fast versus the Titans and stepping up if Josh Jacobs can’t play:

“Definitely need to start fast, put the pressure on guys and just play complimentary football. When the defense gets stops, we need to take advantage of that and all three phases got to get in sync with each other.

“I feel like our room is ready to go. I think everybody can spin, so I haven’t heard anything so as far as I know Josh is playing but regardless I think we’re ready to go. I think me and Spook (Richard), we can carry the load if need be.”

Defensive Coordinator Paul Guenther on how to bring down a back like Derrick Henry:

“I think you’ve got to be in good position, you’ve got to have 11 guys to the ball, you’ve got to play the blocks. First and foremost, you’ve got to be in the right spot, play the blocks, and then when he gets through there, you gotta have 11 guys to the play. If he is standing up trying, he does a good job at trying to get extra yards. So we’ve got to put hats on him, wherever he is on his body as he’s trying to get those extra yards.”

Titans

Head Coach Mike Vrabel on what stands out about the Raiders:

“They’re young and fast and long on defense. Very active, very good front. Safeties that are physical, corners that will press and play aggressive. They, offensively, (have a) very good back. And you know he’s going to be an elite back in this league. They have tight ends, you know, they’ve attempted 200 passes to the running backs and tight ends. So it’ll be a huge key.”

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill on the Raiders defense:

“I think you look back at how they are playing at home. They’re playing really well at home, you know a couple tough road games that they’ve had the last couple weeks, but it’s a tough defense. They play fast, they play strong, they want to penetrate up front. You know, big guys on the edges. Long guys that play extremely hard and they try to get after the passer. So definitely have to contend with them all day.”