Tennessee Titans: Midseason Grades By Position

Offensive Line: B-

Aug 17, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Tennessee Titans offensive guard Chance Warmack (70) blocks during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Grading this position group is more about the eye test than actual numbers. However, sacks is a stat that is relevant to offensive line play, and the Titans rank 13 in the NFL in terms of fewest sacks allowed.

The pass blocking has not been bad this season by any means, but I have never been blown away by consistently great protection, either. This offensive line gets the job done on passing downs and allows a few sacks every now and then, but it has not been a problem.

However, this unit’s run blocking has really left something to be desired this season. Case and point: Four unsuccessful tries from the one yard line against the Kansas City Chiefs. On first down, Tennessee lost the battle at the line of scrimmage and failed to get the big, bruising Jackie Battle into the end zone. On second down, Fitzpatrick’s pass was deflected at the line right back to him. Third down was another pass play, but Fitzpatrick was pressured and forced to take off up the middle, but he was brought down before he could reach the end zone. On fourth down, the line got no push again and the Titans gave it up on downs.

The offensive line finally started making some holes early against the 49ers, but Tennessee was forced to abandon the run by halftime. Hopefully, their success early in that game is an indicator of improvement.