Hard to believe we’re already a quarter of the way through the 2018 NFL season, especially since it feels like the Tennessee Titans are still playing the Miami Dolphins down in Hard Rock Stadium. But, here we are – the Titans are 3-1, sitting atop the AFC South through the quarter pole. We’ve seen a lot of heroics from Marcus Mariota, Corey Davis, and that stifling Titans defense so far, but if you ask me, I think it’s offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur who gets the first quarter game ball.
Now, of course, the head coach is going to get some of the credit. Mike Vrabel ultimately has veto power, so I don’t think anything on the field is happening without his approval. But, still – LaFleur’s fingerprints are all over this team. Just when we thought the offense was going to be a liability for this team, his planning and play calling has made this unit a group of survivors. They’re doing what they have to to win ball games.
The Case for Matt LaFleur as Titans MVP
Awareness – LaFleur just seems to have a general grasp on players’ strengths, he understands when a certain would be good in a certain situation. He’s using that understanding to put players in positions to be successful.
Creativity – LaFleur and company are finding unique ways to attack defenses. He’s using the playbook and a committee effort to replace the production of Delanie Walker and Rishard Matthews, the team’s top two play-makers from the past couple of years.
Adjustments – It’s not something we’re really used to seeing in Nashville, but LaFleur in the offense have made critical halftime adjustments throughout the season. Just look at the difference between the first and second halves against the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.
Philosophy – This Titans offense certainly doesn’t look like the Rams, but you can bet on LaFleur calling a game to win. He’s not going to run it because “the Titans are a rushing team.” Nor is he going to throw it because “the Titans are a passing team.” No, he is going to call a game that exploits the weaknesses of the opposing defense and put his players in positions to capitalize on mismatches. The identity of this Titans offense bends to the defense it’s playing week to week. That is at least in part a reflection of its offensive coordinator.
Maybe it’s a reach to give him all of the credit for all of these things. But at the very least, we can conclusively say that adding LaFleur as offensive coordinator is paying immediate dividends.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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