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Are the Titans prepared for the rest of the AFC South's improved pass rushes?

By Russell S. Baxter

Quarterbacks Will Levis (8) and Mason Rudolph (11) run through warmup drills during the Tennessee Titans mandatory mini-camp at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
Quarterbacks Will Levis (8) and Mason Rudolph (11) run through warmup drills during the Tennessee Titans mandatory mini-camp at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday, June 5, 2024. / Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA
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This past season, only the New York Giants (85), Carolina Panthers (65) and Washington Commanders (65) permitted more sacks than the 2023 AFC South basement dwellers.

Tennessee Titans’ quarterbacks Ryan Tannehill (32), Will Levis (28) and Malik Willis (4) were dropped a combined 64 times. Hence, it’s little wonder that only three teams in the league produced fewer touchdowns through the air than the Titans (14). Now keep in mind two of those scoring passes came from running back Derrick Henry, now a member of the Baltimore Ravens.

Titans’ division rivals all bolstered their pass rushes this offseason

In 2023, the Titans’ offensive line was ranked dead last in the league by Pro Football Focus. In March, general manager Ran Carthon added Lloyd Cushenberry to replace Aaron Brewer (Dolphins). With the seventh overall pick in April, Tennessee drafted University of Alabama tackle J.C. Latham.

A new Titans’ staff, with head coach Brian Callahan, offensive coordinator Nick Holz and celebrated offensive line coach Bill Callahan, do have their work cut out for them. Now consider the influx of new pass-rushers Tennessee will be dealing with in 2024.

The reigning AFC South champion Houston Texans, with 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., did watch Jonathan Greenard leave for Minnesota. However, they added the likes of Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry. The Indianapolis Colts finished fifth in the league with 51 sacks this past season, and used a first-round pick in April on UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu. He totaled 23.5 sacks in two seasons with the Bruins.

Finally, veteran defensive lineman Arik Armstead joins the Jacksonville Jaguars. The nine-year pro has high hopes for one of his new teammates. "I think Travon [Walker] can be the best edge in the league," said Armstead to Juston Lewis of the Florida Times-Union. “He had a tremendous year last year and I know he's gonna have a tremendous year this year.”

Tennessee’s passing attack finished 29th in the NFL in 2023. This offseason, Carthon acquired more weapons in terms of wide receivers in Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd, adding them to a group led by DeAndre Hopkins, as well as former first-rounder Treylon Burks. Of course, taking advantage of a bolstered receiving corps just won’t happen if Levis and any other Titans’ quarterback is on the run this season.

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