Velasco to face wall of beef in Wilfork, Love

Fernando Velasco’s second career start at center will come with a sizable challenge on Sunday.

Velasco, who started a game at center in 2010, will spend much of his afternoon trying to unearth a couple of very large men — Patriots defensive tackles Vince Wilfork (6-2, 325 pounds) and Kyle Love (6-1, 315 pounds).

Wilfork is of course the beast of the two, a former first-round draft pick who has twice been named an All-Pro.

“That’s two big men that take up a lot of space, and you can’t underestimate, they’re not just run stoppers,” Titans coach Mike Munchak said. “Wilfork, especially, has made plays on the quarterback, had sacks, intercepted passes. The guy has done things that it’s hard to believe what he is able to do with his size.

“It’s going to be a battle upfront for us with them to create space. If we want to get a running game going, it’s going to have to be controlling those two guys.”

The Patriots switched between a 4-3 and 3-4 defense last season, so the possibility exists that Wilfork could move outside as well.

“(Wilfork) may play over (right tackle David Stewart) depending if they’re playing some 3-4, or if they’re playing the 4-3 he’ll be with the guards,” Munchak said. “They’re smart how they use people. They kind of look and see what you do as an offensive team, and they try to take your strengths away.”

Source: Titans Insider