5 keys for the Titans to beat the Redskins

TITANS (2-4) AT REDSKINS (1-5)

When: Noon Sunday

TV/radio: WTVF-5 / 104.5-FM

KISS COUSINS — WITH HELMETS

Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins is struggling. He has thrown eight interceptions, more than any other quarterback, and he has seven in the past three games. The Titans need to make him unconfortable with a pass rush, which could force him into throwing more picks. The Titans had a season-high six sacks last week against the Jaguars, including two by defensive lineman Jurrell Casey.

RUN THE FOOTBALL

The Titans have tried plenty of running backs this season, but no one has really stepped up and changed games. Rookie Bishop Sankey got the first crack last week against the Jaguars, and while he had his moments, he struggled to find running room at times. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said nerves may have played factor early. So far, Shonn Greene and Dexter McCluster have been unable to find consistency in the run game either. As a unit, the Titans should be performing better here.

HAVE SUCCESS ON THIRD DOWN

The Titans converted just three of their 11 third-down attempts (27.3 percent) against the Jaguars, and as a team have converted just 31.9 percent on third down this season. In three of their six games, they've converted on third down less than 20 percent of the time. That's not going to cut it, and it's sure not going to help them win games. Good teams usually find a way to get it done on third down. Right now, the Titans are not.

CLEAN UP THE MISTAKES

The Titans continue to frustrate fans with sloppy play at times. Linebacker Wesley Woodyard's whiff at the goal line against the Jaguars resulted in a touchdown, and put a damper on his otherwise solid game. Safety Michael Griffin got beat in coverage, and failed to recover an onside kick. There have been plenty of drops and other mistakes during the first six games. The Titans have to clean up their mistakes in order to win consistently.

SHOW UP EARLY

The Titans jumped out of the gate early against the Browns then blew it at the end. In their other five games, they struggled to get going. The results at Cincinnati and Indianapolis were early blowouts as poor play by the Titans only got the crowds more fired up. The Titans need to get off to a fast start to take the Redskins and the FedExField crowd out of the mix.