Titans Pro Bowl defender is quietly on pace for a career-best year

Excluding a failed onside kick attempt and a few kneel downs, the Tennessee Titans sealed Sunday's Week 12 victory over the Houston Texans when Pro Bowl EDGE Harold Landry sacked C.J. Stroud in the back of the endzone for a safety. That was a fitting way for Brian Callahan to cap off his first AFC South victory.

Landry has always been a versatile player for the Titans, and he selflessly does whatever he is asked to do. He plays assignment football and it doesn't always get highlighted the way it should. For instance, the Titans were able to hold the Texans to a field goal on the drive that tied the game up at 17 apiece.

Late in that drive, Stroud rolled to his left and would have had a layup touchdown if Landry hadn't done his job properly. Instead, he was in good position in coverage, which forced Stroud to tuck the ball and run. When Houston's sophomore quarterback made that decision, Landry decisively flipped his hips and got downhill to make sure his scramble didn't turn into a chunk play.

It turned out to be a four-point play for Dennard Wilson's defense, because the Texans had to settle for a field goal. Between that and Landry's safety to end the game, he was arguably responsible for six points and the Titans won the game by a five-point margin, 32-27.

Landry doesn't consistently make splash plays as an elite one-versus-one pass rusher, but the former Boston College alum continues to be versatile and effective. Landry is quietly on pace for a 10-sack season that includes career highs in tackles for loss (TFLs), pass deflections, and tackles. Not too shabby for the longest-tenured player on the Titans' roster.

Landry is the only Titans defender on pace for double-digit sacks this season. His running mate, Arden Key has come alive lately, currently on schedule for 8.0 sacks. Jeffery Simmons (7.0) is close by. With starting quarterback Will Levis continuing to thrive, the Titans may consider selecting an EDGE in next year's draft class, one that is loaded with high-caliber pass rushers like Abdul Carter and James Pearce Jr.

Landry would qualify as the ideal role model for a rookie pass rusher next season. Tennessee's defensive line has played a drastically improved brand of football in recent showings. As per usual, Landry is going about his business while flying under the radar.