Two playoff teams from the AFC South continue their rapidly growing rivalry in Nashville in what should be one of the most physical games of Week 1. The Jaguars and Titans split games in 2007, with each winning on the road.

“It’s an exciting opener for us, especially at home,” Tennessee coach Jeff Fisher said, calling Jacksonville a “much-improved team.”

Both of these teams are still trying to catch Indianapolis in what is arguably the NFL’s best division, and both are built in similar fashion. Both teams will try hard to run the ball.

Jacksonville will dare Tennessee to stop the 1-2 punch of Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew, who paced what was the NFL’s No.2 rushing offense last season. Tennessee DT Albert Haynesworth will be a key in trying to stop that combo. Titans DE Jevon Kearse — back with the team where he originally got his Freak on — will chase Jaguars QB David Garrard around when Garrard has to throw.

Tennessee will try to counter with power RB LenDale White and rookie RB Chris Johnson, who will contribute with some of the best speed in the NFL.

Tennessee QB Vince Young still needs some help as far as players to throw the ball to consistently (Young had nine TD passes and 17 interceptions in 2007, which must improve this season). His main targets at WR will be the two Justins – McCareins and Gage. Although Young bruised a hand in the final exhibition, Fisher said it’s not an issue. Young also has a new TE in Alge Crumpler, formerly of the Falcons.

Jacksonville still remembers how Tennessee manhandled them in the season opener of 2007, when Tennessee rushed for 282 yards. The Jaguars ultimately beat Tennessee in the rematch, however, and finished with an 11-5 record and the No.5 AFC playoff seed. Tennessee was 10-6 and got the No.6 seed. Whichever one wins this battle will have an early leg up on trying to run down the Colts in 2008. Jacksonville is traditionally successful on Opening Weekend with an all-time win percentage of 69.2 (best in the NFL).

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