Tony Pollard and Juwan Johnson Shine in Preseason Showdown between Titans and Saints

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25/08/2024 20h26

In a preseason matchup between the Tennessee Titans and the New Orleans Saints, running back Tony Pollard proved his worth by leading the Titans' backfield. Meanwhile, tight end Juwan Johnson made a strong return, showcasing his readiness for the upcoming season.

Pollard took the field for the entire first drive, displaying his skills and versatility. However, Tyjae Spears also received significant snaps with the starting unit, indicating a potential shared workload in the regular season. Pollard did make a notable appearance in a fourth-and-1 passing play out of an unbalanced formation, further highlighting his role as a key contributor.

While the preseason game did not drastically affect the fantasy rankings for either player, Pollard should be considered ahead of Spears in most rankings based on his performance and role in the team. Nonetheless, the Titans' coaching staff may continue to employ an equal split or a similar arrangement in terms of playing time between the two.

On the Saints' side, Juwan Johnson's return to action after a foot injury in June brought some relief to fans. Despite the rest of the starters sitting out, Johnson saw playing time during the game, indicating his readiness for Week 1. Nine out of eleven snaps on the first two drives showcased Johnson's abilities, leaving fans hopeful for his impact in the regular season.

While it remains unclear how the Saints' new coaching staff will distribute snaps between Johnson and Foster Moreau, history suggests that their offensive system can produce top fantasy tight ends. In two of the last three seasons, their offense featured a top-six fantasy tight end in terms of average points per game. Johnson's potential as a backup fantasy tight end makes him a worthwhile consideration for fantasy football enthusiasts.

In additional news, Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins remains out with an injury but is aiming to rejoin the team for Week 1. Meanwhile, backup wide receiver Colton Dowell continues to remain on the physically unable to perform list. Notably, Chigoziem Okonkwo played significantly with the starters, while Josh Whyle did not participate in the game due to a prior concussion. Nick Vannett also caught two passes with the starting unit, potentially impacting Okonkwo's standing within the team.

As preseason action unfolds, both Pollard and Johnson have positioned themselves to impact their respective teams in the regular season. While fantasy rankings may still evolve, their performances in the preseason game suggest they could be strong assets for fantasy football managers.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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