One of the most shocking developments for the Tennessee Titans this year has been the rise of their new and improved offensive line.
Peter Skoronski and JC Latham are hovering between Pro Bowl and All-Pro status, while Austin Schlottmann and Dan Moore are at least average at center and left tackle, respectively. When Fernando Carmona comes back, this group should be even better than they have been, and that is saying something.
While the group has been building walls in pass protection, they added a new wrinkle against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7 when they showed they could be a punishing run-blocking unit as well. Not since the days of Taylor Lewan, Roger Saffold, and Ben Jones has an offensive line been so effective in both phases, and that showed up in Tony Pollard's rushing stats.
Titans need RB Tony Pollard to keep dominating after Week 7 breakout
Pollard had the fourth-most productive game of his career with 129 yards, also tying a career-high three rushing touchdowns. After that showing, Pollard climbed to 10th in the NFL in rushing yards this season.
Don't take anything away from Pollard, who did a great job running through contact and keeping his legs churning to find open space. But he also had some really nice lanes to rush through because the offensive line was mauling and walling off the aggressive front of the Browns.
The Titans scored touchdowns on back-to-back drives to open the game, and in those two drives Cam Ward was only asked to pass once per drive. One was a short pass to Carnell Tate that he turned upfield and gained 15 yards, and the other was a seven-yard swing pass to backup running back Michael Carter.
Tony Pollard, run-game took center stage for Titans in Week 7
That isn't a knock on Ward, it is an example of how effective the Titans offensive line was on the other eight plays when they ran the ball that included rushing touchdowns from 10 and 36 yards out.
When Tyjae Spears gets healthy, the Titans can get even more versatile in the running game and can be even more effective as a play-action passing attack. However, even without that, the Titans were able to have their best offensive day behind an offense that leaned on the running game, and that may be the best path for them if they want to take even more pressure off Ward.
While there is still a chance that the team moves on from Pollard for a draft pick, until then, the offense has their bell cow in top form. With better defensive play and a little more passing game production, this team isn't going to be an easy out for anyone going forward.
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