Titans are the NFL’s best offense in one major category
While the Tennessee Titans offense has left a lot to be desired with their play in 2022, the unit is still topping the NFL in a massive offensive statistic. Entering Sunday's game with the Washington Commanders, the Titans offense was 9-for-10 scoring touchdowns on their drives to the red zone. That trend continued on Sunday. […]
While the Tennessee Titans offense has left a lot to be desired with their play in 2022, the unit is still topping the NFL in a massive offensive statistic.
Entering Sunday's game with the Washington Commanders, the Titans offense was 9-for-10 scoring touchdowns on their drives to the red zone. That trend continued on Sunday.
After three touchdown drives and a 3-for-3 red zone performance on Sunday, the Titans currently sit atop all NFL offenses with a 92% touchdown rate in the red zone (12-13).
Not bad for a team that has failed scoring points in the second half and lacks offensive weapons that get regular separation or yards after catch.
After the game, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to the media on the keys to success in the red zone.
"Banked reps," Vrabel told the media. "Reps that they've been running from April, and then being able to put some scheme plays in."
The Titans made practicing red-zone offense and defense a focal point of their training camp, and that process is now proving fruitful. That being said, Vrabel and the Titans are aware of the elephant in the room.
They need to get there more frequently.
"We need to do better before we get down there," Vrabel continued. "Making sure we're consistent in our ability to get there and produce red zone drives where we have produced touchdowns. That's been the difference."
To put some of those numbers into perspective, the Kansas City Chiefs (an elite NFL offense), have 19 red zone drives this season. That's six more than the Titans and Kansas City is still yet to play in Week 5.
Even the Colts (15) and Broncos (14), two of the worst scoring offenses in the NFL, have more red zone trips than Tennessee.
That tells you everything you need to know. The Titans are clutch, and cash in when it matters most. They use Derrick Henry as an effective decoy, and Ryan Tannehill is incredibly efficient in the red zone, but they struggle with getting deep into drives and putting their offense in those scenarios.
When the Titans offense goes flat, it's not because they stall out and can't find pay dirt, it's because they kill drives with penalties and negative plays before they even start.
If the Titans can get themselves into more red zone scenarios, their offense could explode. The scheme and execution is as clutch as it gets from 20-yards out.
Image via Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
