Tennessee Titans: 5 Keys to a Playoff Push
By Ben Greene
#2 Defensive Backfield
Dec 17, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans cornerback Jason McCourty (30) celebrates with safety Tracy Wilson (35) and cornerback Alterraun Verner (20) after intercepting a pass against the New York Jets at LP Field. The Titans defeated the Jet 14-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee has one of the deepest defensive line rotations in the league. And behind the big men up front are three young, athletic linebackers with great instincts. But in the secondary, the Titans are thin.
Last year, Tennessee finished 26th in passing yards allowed per game with nearly 250. The Titans also gave up 31 passing touchdowns, which was tied for the second worst mark in the entire league. The pass defense’s lone redeeming quality was that it forced 19 interceptions, 13 of which came from the secondary. Only six teams had more.
Looking at the numbers, it seems the defensive backfield had a feast or famine year. The corners and safeties took risks, played the ball and either made big plays or got burned. This season, the defense needs to do a better job of getting off the field, particularly on third down, by getting more consistent play from it’s secondary. If it can, we may just see the Titans playing in January.