The Tennessee Titans currently boast the #1 ranked scoring defense in the entire NFL, allowing opponents a stingy 16.8 points per game. They have a top 10 run defense, and one of the six best pass defenses in terms of yards allowed. They’re generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, something that’s been lacking from this unit for several seasons. They have 23 sacks on the season (averaging 2.5 per game). But, the real bread and butter of what this unit does is bowing up in the red zone. They just keep people from scoring touchdowns.
It’s uncanny – it’s been 10 years since we’ve seen a group even remotely this good. And, if you look at some of the key contributors on this Titans defense, there’s plenty of reason to think they’re going to be playing this well, if not better, for years to come.
Jon Robinson has done a solid job of getting cornerstone pieces in place, and it starts with the 2017 All-Pro safety Kevin Byard. He may be known more recently for his celebrating an interception on the star at midfield in Dallas, but he’s continuing on his trajectory to becoming the best young safety in the NFL (if he isn’t already). He has two interceptions on the year, and has kept up his knack for being around the ball.
Then, you have 2017 first round draft pick Adoree Jackson. He had plenty of ups and downs during his rookie season, with Mike Mularkey and company electing to just throw him into the deep end to play instead of easing him into the NFL. But, he appears to be better for it. He is developing into one of the best young corners in the game. Jackson has two interceptions and six pass deflections so far this season, but he has improved in coverage by leaps and bounds. On Sunday, the Titans put him up against Josh Gordon, and he played aggressively, poking and prodding Gordon all day.
I wrote over a month ago that Jayon Brown is becoming a force on the Titans defense, and nothing has changed. Paired with Wesley Woodyard, Brown is becoming one of the defense’s biggest play-makers. The second year linebacker has 4.5 sacks over his last six games. He forced a fumble against Dallas, and remains one of the team’s most consistent tacklers.
According to Pro Football Focus, Rashaan Evans was the second highest graded Titans defender against the Patriots. He struggled a bit early on in 2018, but has since improved. He’s now a force in run support and has the range to cover. Plus, he was even used as a pass rusher on a couple of plays against the Patriots.
Harold Landry has shown flashes of being a monster pass rusher. He got his first sack against the Philadelphia Eagles back in September and has only had one since. But, we all know the legend of “the bend.” Alongside him is fellow rookie Sharif Finch, who has proven capable of being a factor in the pass rush as well. He was the third highest rated defender against the Patriots, behind only Evans and safety Kenny Vaccarro (ranked 1st).
But, folks – that’s a lot of pieces in place for the future.
All of this and we’re not even taking into account that guys like Kamalei Correa, Austin Johnson, and LeShaun Sims are all in just their third year. Plus, the team invested a draft pick into rookie safety Dane Cruikshank. With the veteran leadership that this team now has on defense, this could develop into an incredible core of youth.
There’s an awful lot of potential “best young _____ in the NFL” on this roster right now. And, while they still need to execute on that potential, it means that we should be in position to have ourselves a hell of a defense for years to come.
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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