Unexpected hero emerges in Titans big victory
Tennessee Titans safety Andrew Adams introduced himself to Titans fans in loud fashion. Adams came through on Sunday with an impressive performance in his first home game at Nissan Stadium, and emerged as the unexpected hero the Titans' defense desperately needed. The Titans signed Adams to their active roster off the Steelers' practice squad on September 21, […]
Tennessee Titans safety Andrew Adams introduced himself to Titans fans in loud fashion. Adams came through on Sunday with an impressive performance in his first home game at Nissan Stadium, and emerged as the unexpected hero the Titans' defense desperately needed.
The Titans signed Adams to their active roster off the Steelers' practice squad on September 21, and since joining the team, the seven-year veteran has not missed a beat.
With Amani Hooker missing time in concussion protocol and Elijah Molden still on Injured Reserve, Adams has taken advantage of the opportunity in front him to be a playmaker in the Titans struggling secondary.
Sunday it translated to the game in a big way.
Adams tied for the team lead with 10 tackles on the day including a couple nice plays against Jonathan Taylor in the open field. Just as those tackles had number 47 turning heads, he put an exclamation point on his afternoon with an interception of Matt Ryan and a 76-yard return for a touchdown.
Adams playing hero in the Titans big win was not just a sign that he was deserving of more opportunity in the defense, it was a sign of the Titans finding answers to their biggest defensive problems.
Without Elijah Molden, rookie CB Roger McCreary has been playing a lot of nickel in recent weeks, leaving Tennessee weak on the perimeter and resulting in a large number of explosive plays against their secondary.
On Sunday, Adams remained at safety along side Kevin Byard, while Hooker (returning from concussion) stepped in to play the nickel. That gave the Titans a consistent five members of their secondary on the field for 97% of the defensive snaps.
After the game, I spoke with Adams about his huge game, his Titans success, and how helpful it was to be on the field with both Hooker and Byard at the same time.
"Amani, obviously he plays safety so, he's able to talk to me, we're able to communicate, and I really do think that makes a difference," Adams said.
The former Super Bowl Champion also raved about the culture in Tennessee, crediting that atmosphere for his success in his new situation.
"I think it's just the culture," Adams said. "The fight mentality, the 'don't quit,' the family, the positive vibes that are just circled around the building. I just feel like everybody is so engaged as to what our goal is and I think that really makes a difference."
Whatever it may be that has unlocked this version of Adams, the Titans need to lean into it all the way. Keep the three safety look. Keep the same five defensive backs. Keep the same energy around the building.
Matt Ryan threw 44 passes and only had 243 yards with 2 interceptions. It's working.
If Adams keeps this up and the Titans defense can continue creating turnovers and limiting explosive plays, the unit may actually live up to the lofty expectations many had before the season.
Image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
