Tennessee Titans: Derick Roberson's Breakout Came From Focus and Help from Taylor Lewan
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Outside linebacker Derick Roberson broke out in a big way for the Tennessee Titans in their Week 16 loss to the Saints. In what was just the second game of his career, the rookie pass rusher recorded two sacks of QB Drew Brees and nearly notched a third. The breakout performance was […]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Outside linebacker Derick Roberson broke out in a big way for the Tennessee Titans in their Week 16 loss to the Saints.
In what was just the second game of his career, the rookie pass rusher recorded two sacks of QB Drew Brees and nearly notched a third.
The breakout performance was the result of two major factors: Roberson's focus during practice throughout his time on the practice squad earlier in the season and the help he received from LT Taylor Lewan.
PREP ON THE PRACTICE SQUAD
An undrafted free agent, Roberson frequently flashed for the Titans during Training Camp and the preseason, showcasing his quick first step and other good athletic traits.
In the end, though, it wasn't enough to earn him a spot on the active roster.
"He is a guy that was probably close, not close enough at Training Camp," head coach Mike Vrabel said. "Probably needed a little bit more seasoning, practice and meetings."
Roberson was able to get the seasoning he needed as a member of the Titans' practice squad, where he spent a majority of the 2019 season's first 15 weeks.
Even though he wasn't a member of the active roster and didn't have a gameday role, Roberson took his job seriously.
"Vrabel told me the first week, ‘Just because you’re on the practice squad doesn’t mean you can’t get reps,'" Roberson said. "So, I’ve been going hard."
That attitude led to good performances on the practice field, and that's ultimately what earned Roberson a chance to contribute for the Titans in their game against New Orleans.
Vrabel had been noticing a steady improvement in Roberson's abilities during practice for a few weeks leading up to the game, and he ultimately decided in favor of pulling the trigger to give Roberson a chance.
"He just continued to work, understand what’s going on and take advantage of his opportunities," Vrabel said. "When you do that, you usually earn more opportunities, no matter who the player is."
"That’s how guys end up getting noticed and moving up," defensive coordinator Dean Pees said.
"Mike thought it was time to give the guy a shot, and it was obviously a wise move."
LEARNING FROM LEWAN
In addition to gaining a better understanding of the Titans' defensive scheme, Roberson was able to improve during practice because of his frequent matchups with Lewan, a three-time Pro Bowl left tackle.
As a member of the scout team, Roberson has had to face Lewan in practice virtually every day.
"Going against Taylor Lewan every day made me a better pass rusher, going against a Pro Bowler like that," Roberson said. "He’s quick, I’m quick. He’s smart."
"That means a lot coming from him," Lewan said. "I think he’s done a really good job over the last few games coming on for us. I talked to him the other day, and I told him, 'you’re doing a really good job pass rushing for us.'"
Not only did going against Lewan every day in practice allow Roberson to improve, but it allowed the Titans' coaching staff to see that he could be effective against the NFL's best.
"It just shows us that he’s developing and that he’s getting himself ready to actually go in there on Sunday and do it," outside linebackers coach Shane Bowen said. "When he’s showing that against Taylor and some of those other guys, it shows us that he can go out there and do it on Sunday.
"Anytime you’re going against one of the better guys in the league, I think it helps you. He’s constantly getting valuable reps and Taylor practices hard too, which adds even more to it."
The Titans certainly hope that Roberson's improvement on the practice field will continue to yield positive results on game day.
"Two sacks every game, that’d be great," Vrabel said with a grin.
Cover image: Jim Brown/USA Today
