The Tennessee Titans had their most explosive offensive performance of the season in Week 8, losing 43-36 to the Cincinnati Bengals in overtime. Quarterback Cam Ward enjoyed a career-best showing, throwing for 304 yards and two touchdowns. Without Carnell Tate in the lineup, Ward's top weapon was wide receiver Chimere Dike.
Tate's absence led to more rotation at wide receiver. Dike received opportunities to mix into the lineup with Calvin Ridley, Wan'Dale Robinson, and Elic Ayomanor. He fully capitalized, recording five receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown. Dike produced 239 all-purpose yards as a receiver and returner.
Titans fans have been occasionally frustrated with Robinson, who hasn't totally met expectations after signing a $70 million contract in free agency. Robinson had a touchdown on Sunday, but also had a lost fumble and a dropped pass. The offense may benefit from Dike eating into his workload.
Titans WR Chimere Dike deserves more snaps on offense (even it means less snaps for Wan'Dale Robinson)
Dike played a season-high 63 snaps at receiver. His previous high was 13, and his average snap output prior to the Bengals game was 7.4. That obviously needs to change following his breakout performance.
Robinson still led all Titans receivers in snaps with 72. He's Brian Daboll's designated slot receiver, given their shared experience with the New York Giants. Here's the issue. Dike played 419 snaps in the slot as a rookie last season, compared to just 204 out wide.
On Sunday, Dike played 51 snaps outside compared to 10 as a slot receiver. Robinson's presence essentially forced Dike to play his less comfortable position. Credit where it's due, he adapted excellently while proving capable of playing an inside-outside role.
Titans WR Chimere Dike outproduces Wan'Dale Robinson in various categories
Dike posted position-high results in yards per route run (Y/RR, 1.78) and average depth of target (aDOT, 10.6). Robinson's season-long output in those categories are 1.15 and 6.2, respectively. Next Gen Stats had Dike creating an average of 3.1 yards of separation on his targets, leading all Titans receivers in separation.
Robinson has also been credited with three drops already this campaign (and a lost fumble). Dike had two drops as a rookie, and zero this season. It's worth noting Dike lost two fumbles on special teams earlier this season, but has never fumbled on offense.
In fairness, Robinson isn't solely to blame for his occasional struggles. At times, he's been the reliable outlet for Ward the Titans envisioned him being. He leads the Titans in receiving touchdowns (3). The inconsistent passing attack deserves plenty of blame for his pedestrian output.
The Titans found solutions to their offensive woes against the Bengals. Dike's increased role paid major dividends. The offense needs (and deserves) more Dike snaps moving forward.
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