1. Run defense
When the Titans drafted Jeffery Simmons, I felt it was an almost perfect response to the Indianapolis Colts’ blueprint. It couldn’t be more fitting, a Simmons vs. Nelson matchup that could last for a decade. I’m referring to Colts left guard, Quenton Nelson, who is an absolute monster.
The Titans went and grabbed a freak-of-nature of their own.
👀
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) October 25, 2018
Jeffery Simmons has been 💪 against the run in 2018.
via @PFF_College #HaiIState🐶 pic.twitter.com/GoNPKGzf6e
Primarily a 0 or 1-technique, Simmons stands at 6-foot-4 inches tall and weighs in at 301 pounds. His job will be to line up directly opposite the center, sometimes shading the inside shoulder of either guard alongside him.
His primary objective? Clogging up the arteries of rival rushing attacks and swallowing up RBs in the backfield. In three years at Mississippi State, Simmons racked up 33 tackles for loss — a good sign.
Side-note: There’s a world where the Titans move Simmons all over the defensive line and he plays some 3 or 5-technique as well.
The Titans do an above-average job of getting the initial push, but it’s certainly an area the defensive line can improve on. According to Football Outsiders, the Titans are the 9th-best run-stuffing team in the league through six weeks. And yet, they allow 4.43 yards per carry.
Doesn’t it feel like something is missing? Defensive tackle Jurrell Casey has been extremely quiet lately, and the defensive line feels lethargic. Maybe they, too, need a shot in the arm, or perhaps I’m asking too much.
Whatever the case may be, Simmons will be eased into the gameplan by the coaching staff. And when he’s in, Big No. 98 will be tough to move.