The Tennessee Titans' pass rush has been lackluster throughout the majority of the 2025 campaign. It had been an expected outcome given the lack of talent on the roster at EDGE. The unit turned in their best performance in the improbable Week 5 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, getting constant pressure on Kyler Murray, who they sacked three times.
Veteran defensive end Jihad Ward was a big-time factor. Ward recorded a position-high four pressures on Murray, per Pro Football Focus. Only elite Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (7) had more pressures.
In fact, Ward is tied for second on the Titans in pressures (9) this season, trailing only Simmons (24), who's performing at a Defensive Player of the Year level. If Ward's ascension continues, Titans fans might start believing in the pass rush again.
Unlikely Titans breakout has the pass-rushing production trending in the right direction
Ward's win-rate as a pass rusher is currently 14.3%, according to Pro Football Focus. That's by far the best win-rate percentage among the Titans' EDGEs. Dre'Mont Jones (9.9%), Arden Key (9.3%), and Femi Oladejo (6.8%) are all trailing Ward by a considerable margin heading into Week 6.
Ward is doing more with less. Prior to Sunday's showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders, he unsurprisingly ranks fourth among Titans EDGEs in total defensive snaps (135). Jones (218), Oladejo (218), and Key (166) have all earned considerably more playing time. That has to change.
It's worth noting Ward played a season-high 53% defensive snap-share in Week 5 versus the Cardinals. He's been anove 50% in three consecutive weeks. The Titans' coaching staff is beginning to realize that Ward is their most efficient and dangerous pass rusher.
Ward converted a season-high 22 pass-rushing snaps versus the Cardinals into four pressures. Was that performance a one-time fluke, or a sign of things to come? The Titans must explore the answer to that question by rewarding their in-form defender with more opportunities.