Titans rookie looks forward to physical matchup with 'underrated' Commanders star
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Titans cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. has been a breakout star in Tennessee's defense after being forced into a starting role as a rookie. With L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie missing significant time due to injury, Brownlee has been matching up with every opponent's top wide receiver. He has already gone toe-to-toe with Justin […]
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Titans cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. has been a breakout star in Tennessee's defense after being forced into a starting role as a rookie.
With L'Jarius Sneed and Chidobe Awuzie missing significant time due to injury, Brownlee has been matching up with every opponent's top wide receiver. He has already gone toe-to-toe with Justin Jefferson, Nico Collins, and Amon-Ra St. Brown and held his own.
The former fifth-round pick out of Louisville will have yet another difficult assignment this week. Brownlee will be guarding Terry McLaurin when the Titans take on the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Brownlee previewed that matchup for me in the locker room earlier this week and said he was looking forward to getting physical with one of the most underrated players in the sport.
"It's a big week for me. Terry [McLaurin] is a great receiver. I think he's one of the top. He's a guy that I've always felt like he was underrated," said Brownlee. "I always felt like just watching the games and watching the NFL that he was always a Top 5 receiver. It's a big challenge for me this weekend. I looked forward to a physical matchup."
Is McLaurin Underrated?
McLaurin has been a consistent and productive force despite his team having some well below-average quarterback play since he came into the league. After being drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, McLaurin has put up 6,106 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns in less than six full NFL seasons.
That's the 8th most receiving yards among wide receivers in that span. The only players with more are Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, D.J. Moore, and Cooper Kupp. But only one of those players (Brown) has more yards per reception that McLaurin.
I'd also note that none of them have been catching passes from a mix of Case Keenum, Alex Smith, Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinicke, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Carson Wentz, and Sam Howell…Thats the level of quarterback play we're talking about when it comes to McLaurin, and now that he has a promising young QB throwing him the ball in Jayden Daniels, McLaurin is having the best season of his career.
In 2024, McLaurin is on pace for 75 catches, 1,165 yards, and 10 touchdowns. He is currently 4th in the NFL in receiving yards, but is not talked about like a top 5-10 talent at the position. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. makes a good point. McLaurin doesn't get the love he deserves. He also makes a great point that the physical matchup is going to be fun to watch.
Brownlee's Physicality
Brownlee's M.O. is getting physical at the line of scrimmage. He excels in press coverage and triggers downhill as an effective run stopper. In Week 12, he led all rookies in run stops and forced incompletions. He has only surrendered two touchdowns all season. Brownlee is 2nd in the NFL in separation prevented. The man sticks on his assignment like glue.
This is the matchup to watch during Titans-Commanders on Sunday. An underrated wide receiver playing like one of the best in the league and a young cornerback trying to become a household name.
If Brownlee can limit McLaurin and force Washington to lean on other offensive weapons, the Titans stand a good chance at winning their second game in a row. That's especially true with RBs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. at less than 100 percent.
Titans provide detailed update on CB Chidobe Awuzie returning from Injured Reserve
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Titans have been without cornerback Chidobe Awuzie for over three months now. Awuzie last suited up for the Titans in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers before a groin injury landed him on Injured Reserve. His absence is significant for Tennessee's defense. Awuzie was not only supposed to be a […]
