The Tennessee Titans are destined for failure unless they undergo a transformation in their identity.
At some juncture, the Tennessee Titans must shift away from identifying themselves solely as a run-oriented team, but fans shouldn’t expect a swift change.
During a recent interview, Offensive Coordinator Tim Kelly was probed about the offensive style of the Tennessee Titans. He seemed visibly irked by the question but asserted that they do have a style. Specifically, he stated, “A team that, when performing well, is a physical team proficient in both running the ball effectively and executing play-action, elements we’ve had success with at times.”
While I respect Tim Kelly and believe he has the potential to be a competent NFL offensive coordinator, his response falls short.
To be clear, there’s nothing inherently wrong with prioritizing the running game. Teams like the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and Miami Dolphins, excluding those heavily reliant on quarterback rushing like the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles, excel in rushing.
However, what the Tennessee Titans seem to overlook is a crucial aspect: these successful teams are also among the top in the NFL for passing yards. In fact, the Dolphins, 49ers, and Lions rank 1st, 2nd, and 4th, respectively, in passing yards!
Advocates for a run-first approach often overlook the other half of the equation. Effective offenses strategically spread out defenses through passing, capitalizing on favorable situations to run the ball.
The coaching staff’s refusal to acknowledge this reality is problematic. Initially, there seemed to be a positive shift towards acquiring offensive linemen with a history of strong pass protection before the season started. Unfortunately, once the season commenced, the Titans reverted to the same run-centric mentality, reminiscent of the disliked approach since Arthur Smith’s departure.
This offseason, the Tennessee Titans may find themselves a year late in initiating a necessary rebuild. Witnessing them persistently emphasize the significance of the running game feels akin to Walter White observing a critical scene in Breaking Bad.
While there’s a chance the Titans may rebuild the offensive line and discover another exceptional running back, the question remains: is this the wisest path? Can the Titans defy the league’s trend and persist with a run-heavy strategy, or should they consider emulating successful teams like the 49ers, Lions, or Dolphins, which prioritize a robust passing game?
Even teams like the Lions and 49ers, who recently invested heavily in running backs, did so only after achieving success in the passing game.
With the rebuild imminent in three weeks, actions during the offseason will carry more weight than words. Regardless of the coaching staff in place, there are no more excuses. The team must find a way to mold Will Levis into a franchise quarterback, and anything short of that warrants comprehensive evaluation and potential changes across the board.
