Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard was outstanding in the team's 20-17 Week 9 overtime victory over the New England Patriots. Pollard rushed for a season-high 128 yards via 28 carries, receiving a heavy workload despite entering the game with a questionable tag. He continues to be Tennessee's best overall player this season, despite their disappointing 2-6 record.
Titans general manager Ran Carthon signed Pollard to a three-year contract worth $21.75 million in free agency, per Over The Cap. The former Memphis standout was brought in to help replace franchise legend Derrick Henry, who signed a similar contract with the Baltimore Ravens. As excellent as Henry has been for the Ravens, Pollard and the run-game hasn't been the issue in Tennessee this season. Poor quarterback play and disastrous special teams units are to blame.
Pollard now ranks 10th in the NFL in rushing with 622 yards and ninth in yards per game at 77.8. As a team, the Titans are producing a 12th-best 125.6 ground yards per outing. Advanced metrics agree Pollard has been terrific this season.
Tony Pollard with the big run!
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Pollard is Pro Football Focus' 11th-highest graded running back (81.2) this season. With Tennessee's offensive line struggling, particularly earlier in the campaign, Pollard has had little issue producing yards after contact, ranking third in that department with 538. His 3.79 yards after contact per attempt is second-best, trailing just Tank Bigsby (4.40).
Pollard has produced 18 explosive runs (10-plus yards) this year, seventh-best among his peers. The ex Dallas Cowboy has forced 23 missed tackles. Anytime something good happens on offense for the Titans, there's a decent chance Pollard is involved.
Opposing defenses do not fear Tennessee's 31st-ranked passing attack. As a result, Pollard has seen stacked boxes (eight-plus defenders at the line of scrimmage) on 20.42% of his rushing attempts, according to Next Gen Stats. Pollard is also averaging a positive 0.23 Rushing Yards Over Expected per attempt, leading to a stellar rushing percentage over expected (ROE%) of 39.1 percent.
The idea was for Pollard to pair with Tyjae Spears in Tennessee's new-look backfield this season. Spears has now missed three consecutive contests with an ongoing hamstring injury. Even if the No. 2 returns for the Los Angeles Chargers game this weekend, Pollard has established himself as Brian Callahan's workhorse.
The Titans are searching for answers heading into the offseason. The quarterback position, and multiple wide receiver and offensive line spots remain in flux. Pollard has been a rare and productive constant for Tennessee's offense this season.