Titans: One way Tim Kelly actually needs to be like Todd Downing
The Tennessee Titans need to completely cleanse themselves of Todd Downing heading into the 2023 season. The new Titans offense under offensive coordinator Tim Kelly should look nothing like the predictable, uninspired, and at times bewildering playcalling of old. But even Kelly has said "it's not all broken" referring to Tennessee's offensive identity, and there's […]
The Tennessee Titans need to completely cleanse themselves of Todd Downing heading into the 2023 season. The new Titans offense under offensive coordinator Tim Kelly should look nothing like the predictable, uninspired, and at times bewildering playcalling of old.
But even Kelly has said "it's not all broken" referring to Tennessee's offensive identity, and there's one obvious area in which Kelly should actually look to follow in Downing's footsteps.
Over the two seasons in which Downing was the Titans' OC (2021-2022), Tennessee had the fourth best red zone touchdown percentage (64.1 percent) in the NFL, according to RBSDM.com.
Since 2021, the only teams with a better touchdown rate in the red zone than Tennessee are the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles. Winning teams capitalize on opportunity, and a good red zone offense is the realization of that idea.
So how did Downing's offense, which was deficient in so many other areas, operate at an elite level in the red zone?
The simple answer is by riding Derrick Henry. Since 2016 when Henry was drafted by the Titans, Tennessee has the best red zone offense in football, scoring touchdowns on 65.9 percent of their red zone trips.
Over that same period of time. Henry has 255 red zone carries, with 161 "successful plays" according to Sharp Football Analysis and 55 touchdowns. No running back in football has more successful plays or red zone touchdowns in that stretch. Ezekiel Elliott is a close second, which is probably why Dallas has been so good in the red area in recent years as well.
Say what you will about Henry as a three-down back, route-runner, or pass blocker, there is no denying the fact that the man is a workhorse in the red zone and commands so much attention near the goal line. A player who is consistently productive on the ground late in drives is unbelievably valuable. That's why Henry is one of the greatest backs of his generation.
Downing did a great job of utilizing Henry in the red zone to help the Titans offense finish drives. I'd like to see Kelly keep that ball rolling in 2023 while mixing in a healthy dose of Tyjae Spears out of the backfield as a pass catcher.
We've seen Henry and Dontrell Hilliard in the backfield together at the same time and it has proven to be productive. With Spears' skillset, that feels like a must use package for Tennessee's new OC
I know Titans fans never want to hear Todd Downing's name mentioned when it comes to their offensive playcalling, but believe it or not, Downing actually called a nearly elite red zone offense. Hopefully Kelly can do the same after taking over.
