Tennessee Titans - Run Game

By Jim Jackson

The TEN Titans have Derrick Henry, and he is the primary reason that they are currently the third best rushing offense in the NFL at 158 ypg. But what about the OL blocking for him? This article will focus on the strength of the interior offensive line for the Titans. Throughout the season this group is playing at an elite level and paving the way for their success. Nick Hardwick (Pro Bowl Center and 9 year NFL vet) once told me, "If you want to protect the passer, get good Tackles. If you want to run the ball, get good Centers and Guards." The Titans are living that in the 2020 season.

Center = Ben Jones - 9 year NFL vet. Good technician. Tough to fool him. Anticipates very well. Plays hard and finishes in run game.

LG = Rodger Saffold = 11 year NFL vet. Playing an elite level right now. Is extremely quick and violent of DL. Has been injured some, but playing great.

RG = Nate Davis = 2 year NFL vet. Athletic, quick, and playing fast. Once he gets hands on defenders, it turn into a knockdown. He plays with great pad level.

Sub = Aaron Brewer = Rookie. Has been solid in a reserve role at RG and LG. Does not look lost like most rookies and is usually initiating contact. He moves fluid and bends well. He is undersized but it has not shown to be a weakness. 

You will see all four of these OL highlighted. 

The first play is a Toss Crack (Coach Kou's Favorite!) for a 12 yard gain. Both Guards take great angles and have huge blocks to spring the play. Watch the finish by the LG. Great technique and violence!





Play two is Duo in Week 11 vs. BAL. The result is an 8 yard gain, but this is violent run. When Henry gets his shoulders downhill, he is extremely hard to tackle.







The third play is a wide zone in Week 8 vs the CIN. The Center and the RG do a great job of using the DL leverage and momentum against them to finish blocks. OL job is put defense players on the ground.





The last play, well this one is mostly Henry. HOU runs a run stopping blitz and have two unblocked defenders in the hole. When defenders are on the move, it makes it harder to square up and tackle Henry.  Great job by the RG of sealing the ILB and creating the hole on IZ Windback.





In conclusion, TEN will be a tough team to beat in the last month of the season. Their run game is designed to get Henry downhill, and this is a tough tackle for anyone in the NFL. The interior OL is playing at a high level, even with the injuries they have sustained. Excellent work by Coach Carter and the Titans' staff.

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