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Tennessee Titans: Myles Garrett talks Taylor Lewan’s absence in Week 1

By Michael Moraitis

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 17: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns participates in warmups prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 17: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns participates in warmups prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 17, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett spoke about the absence of Tennessee Titans tackle Taylor Lewan in Week 1.

One of the biggest storylines going into the Tennessee Titans’ Week 1 matchup with the Cleveland Browns is the absence of left tackle Taylor Lewan and how the team will weather the storm that is defensive end Myles Garrett without him.

Of course, Lewan is in the midst of a four-game suspension after testing positive for the banned substance Ostarine.

In Lewan’s place, the Titans will deploy swing tackle Dennis Kelly, who played extremely well last season on the right side in place of an injured Jack Conklin, and finished as Pro Football Focus’ No. 18 tackle.

Tennessee Titans LT, Taylor Lewan.
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 13: Taylor Lewan /

While Kelly’s experience on the left side is limited and he is certainly no Lewan, the Titans are better off than most teams would be in this situation.

Despite the obvious downgrade from Lewan, Garrett isn’t taking his matchup with Kelly lightly, according to Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan.

"“I’m not going to lower my intensity or my effort or my expectations just because Taylor’s not there…. I don’t get that chance, gotta go against somebody else and make their day hell.”"

The Titans will need to give Kelly help in the form of tight ends Delanie Walker and MyCole Pruitt, the team’s two best blocking tight ends. Failing to do so could lead to a long day for quarterback Marcus Mariota and the Titans offense.

On top of helping with extra protection, the Titans need to establish the run in order to keep Garrett and Co. off balance.

One way to slow a pass-rush is to get the ground game going, so feeding Derrick Henry and getting consistent yardage will no doubt help keep Garrett at bay, while also helping to setup the play action.

Week 1 will present a tough test and we’ll know just how well the Titans will be able to weather the storm without Lewan for the three games to follow.

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