Two ways the Titans can make up for Elijah Molden's injury
After missing an entire week of practice with an injury, Tennessee Titans CB Elijah Molden was officially ruled out for Sunday's opener by Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Now things have another step in the wrong direction. Just hours after Molden was ruled out for Sunday's game, the Titans placed Molden and rookie linebacker Chance […]
After missing an entire week of practice with an injury, Tennessee Titans CB Elijah Molden was officially ruled out for Sunday's opener by Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.
Now things have another step in the wrong direction. Just hours after Molden was ruled out for Sunday's game, the Titans placed Molden and rookie linebacker Chance Campbell on injured reserve.
By NFL rule, Molden will be required to miss a minimum of four games to begin the NFL season, meaning the Titans are now forced to shift things around in their secondary with a tough slate of games ahead.
Molden will not be able eligible to play against a few elite offenses when the Titans take on the Buffalo Bills, Las Vegas Raiders, and the division rival Indianapolis Colts in week four. Those matchups make it even more important for the Titans defense to be on point to start the year.
So how can the Titans shift to make up for Molden's injury?
The Plan
The original defense listed Kristian Fulton and rookie Roger McCreary as the Titans starting cornerbacks, with Molden the best option to line up in the slot for nickel packages.
With Molden sidelined, and nickel alternative Lonnie Johnson Jr. also inactive, my best guess would be that the Titans pivot to utilize the versatility and physicality of McCreary, shifting him over to the slot.
Second-year CB and 2021 first round pick Caleb Farley could then get some much needed reps on the outside, and should be able to hold his own when matched up with big wide outs like Kenny Golladay.
Another option is new Titans DB Ugo Amadi, who is strong in man coverage. I expect to take some of the workload from the nickel in early down scenarios matched in man.
This exact scenario is a big reason why the Titans have grown so fond over McCreary so quickly. His versatile skillset and comfort anywhere on the field is an invaluable asset when putting together a starting a defense.
McCreary brings excellent quickness and good physicality as the ball arrives. He has good closing speed on plays in front of him and is not afraid to rough up an opposing wide receiver. That makes him dangerous in press man coverage, and a viable nickel option.
The return of Lonnie Johnson would also go a long way to compensating for Molden's absence, but as far as replacements go, it's hard to find someone better than McCreary.
The question is only if Farley can hold up his end of the bargain with more opportunity.
Image via Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
