Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen embraces his new role
NASHVILLE — The disaster that was the Tennessee Titans defense in 2020 has been documented at length. Being promoted to defensive coordinator was the last thing Tennessee fans wanted for last season's play-caller Shane Bowen. Titans coach Mike Vrabel elevated Bowen anyway. A unit that ranked 29th in total defense last season somehow got the man […]
NASHVILLE — The disaster that was the Tennessee Titans defense in 2020 has been documented at length. Being promoted to defensive coordinator was the last thing Tennessee fans wanted for last season's play-caller Shane Bowen.
Titans coach Mike Vrabel elevated Bowen anyway.
A unit that ranked 29th in total defense last season somehow got the man in charge of it promoted. How could this be so? Tennessee media is not privy to every interaction behind the scenes, true. Surely, though, there was better justification other than loyalty that kept Bowen around.
On Tuesday Bowen inadvertently gave voice to how he might have become the fall guy for the Titans 2020 defense.
COVID-19 made Bowen's job near impossible
Football Guys hate excuses.
Last year's unforeseen circumstances make for a pretty good one, however. Bowen, as a first-year play caller in Tennessee had to learn how to adapt to his elevated role in a totally virtual world. Meeting room Zooms became the norm instead of face-to-face. An early bout with the virus itself last September isolated him from his players and staff even further.
As evidenced by the Titans roster reconstruction this offseason, a talent disparity did not help matters. All this while still balancing his role as outside linebackers coach and defensive coordinator (but not really?).
Having a clearer picture in 2021 must feel nice.
"Absolutely. I do," said Bowen of having the official title as Tennessee's DC this year. "I think it has helped with everybody, with the coaching staff, the players. I think that it
has been good up to this point. They kind of understand where the buck stops and it is what it is. I am excited for the opportunity, I really am."
Title Gate, as it was dubbed for the Titans last year, took on a life of its own in a way that Vrabel should have anticipated. Protecting your players and coaches is one thing. Creating a scapegoat unnecessarily is another.
Bowen can actually get to know his Titans players
Knowing a coach because they have been on your team's staff is all well and good.
Continuity can play a massive role in the growth of any unit on a football team. There is a difference, however, in recognizing the voice that is in your headsets on Sundays and actually having a relationship with the coach on the other side. Bowen's lack of relationship with parts of the defense last year undeniably played a part in its failures.
Communication was not a strength for Tennessee in 2020. This offseason seems to have normalized those relationships.
"I have been able to bounce around meeting rooms," Bowen said. "Again, I think it goes back – and you guys heard it a lot last year, the coordination, the communication, making sure everybody is on the same page. Now, the DB’s see something one way, I can immediately walk into the linebacker room and say, ‘Hey man, this is what we are thinking, this is how they see it.’ That way everybody sees things the same way, we are communicating things the same way. I think that has been a tremendous asset, being able to bounce room to room."
Tennessee's defense has been the most impressive unit by a mile now through two days of padded practice. Things will level out as the offense finds its rhythm, of course.
In the immediate, however, the Titans defense feels like it has been given new life with improved communication.
Featured Image: USA TODAY Sports.
