Titans OLB Arden Key's new mindset makes him a rising NFL star
NASHVILLE — In the Tennessee Titans season opener against the New Orleans Saints, outside linebacker Arden Key proved to be the real deal. After signing a three-year, $21 million contract with the Titans in the offseason, Key tied for the highest pass rush win rate (40 percent) among NFL edge defenders in Week 1. He […]
NASHVILLE — In the Tennessee Titans season opener against the New Orleans Saints, outside linebacker Arden Key proved to be the real deal.
After signing a three-year, $21 million contract with the Titans in the offseason, Key tied for the highest pass rush win rate (40 percent) among NFL edge defenders in Week 1. He also recorded 1.5 sacks on the day and a career high 11 QB pressures, which was four more than any other player in the NFL.
Key was straight up dominant on Sunday. There's also an argument to be made that he should have been credited with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble for his hit on Derek Carr that was ruled an incomplete pass. Key, just like everybody else, said on Wednesday that he thought it should have been called a fumble.
All of the personality and energy we saw from Key during training camp has turned into results on the field. That's exactly what the Titans needed. But the best part of Key being a rising superstar is, well, that he's a rising superstar.
Key's big Week 1 performance didn't just come out of nowhere, so I don't think it's premature to place that label on him. Going back to the end of the 2022 season, Key has been one of the most effective pass rushers in football.
Only two players, Haason Reddick and Micah Parsons, have more quarterback pressures than Key since Week 14 of 2022.
Key told me on Wednesday that throughout his career, he has been someone who has shined towards the end of the season. "November and December, that's when the real pass rushers and real ballers come out. It's time to really play ball. It's playoff football or trying to get into the playoffs," Key said.
The numbers back that up. Prior to the 2023 season, Key had 14 career sacks. 10 of them have come in November or later. But this year, Key is hoping to stay in the same frame of mind that he would have late in the year, maintain his intensity, and be productive for an entire 18-week season.
"I learned that. Now I'm just trying to start off hot, knowing that November and December is where you really gotta step out, but also focusing on September and October," Key told me.
As if that wasn't enough to get Titans fans fired up about their new edge rusher, Key genuinely believed he "left some out on the table" against the Saints on Sunday. Of his 11 pressures and multiple quarterback hits, Key believes he could have had a few more sacks – not to mention the strip sack that wasn't.
I'm loving everything about Arden Key. From his energy at practice, to his locker room presence, to his speed off the edge, he fits this Titans' defense like a glove. This is already looking like a wonderful signing by GM Ran Carthon and the best of Key could still be yet to come.
Ryan Tannehill says next to nothing about Week 1 woes
Not the answers Titans fans wanted.
