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Tennessee Titans: Midseason studs and duds of 2019 NFL season

By Ravi Konjeti

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 20: Punter Brett Kern #6 of the Tennessee Titans throws a pass to Kevin Byard #31 for a first down on a fake punt attempt during the first half at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 20: Punter Brett Kern #6 of the Tennessee Titans throws a pass to Kevin Byard #31 for a first down on a fake punt attempt during the first half at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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Titans safety, Kevin Byard.
NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 20: Kevin Byard #31 of the Tennessee Titans gets the crowd cheering during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Chargers 23-20. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Stud: Kevin Byard

The Titans have had a homegrown superstar in Kevin Byard since he came into the league in 2016. Byard has been the champion of the Titans’ secondary, posting yet again another stellar season. Byard has three interceptions and has allowed a 50 percent completion rate when opposing QBs target him.

Byard is an electric player that can take away an entire side of the field with his coverage skills. Another facet of his game is his run-stopping ability, particularly in late game situations. Byard is the definitive star of the Titans defense and will be for years to come with the huge contract extension he signed this offseason.

Dud: Rodger Saffold

While the Titans made Byard one of the highest-paid safeties, they also dished out money for a top-level guard in Rodger Saffold. Saffold was crucial in the Rams’ success the past two years and was a high-caliber player throughout his career.

Saffold’s play this season has been below average. He has consistently allowed pressure to get to the quarterback, whether it has been Mariota or Tannehill. His run-blocking has also left a lot to be desired. The hope is that Saffold can return to his dominant play next to Taylor Lewan as the season progresses, otherwise, it looks like the Titans have missed on an expensive offensive line acquisition that won’t pan out.

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