Tennessee Titans defense will now face uphill battle without key edge defender to start the 2024 NFL season
The 2024 Tennessee Titans have been looking incredibly promising on both side of the ball this off-season thanks to general manager Ran Carthon and new head coach Brian Callahan. But now, just as preseason action is about to begin, the Titans have learned that they're going to be missing one of their most important players […]
The 2024 Tennessee Titans have been looking incredibly promising on both side of the ball this off-season thanks to general manager Ran Carthon and new head coach Brian Callahan. But now, just as preseason action is about to begin, the Titans have learned that they're going to be missing one of their most important players for a good portion of the season.
Arden Key Suspended by the NFL
It was reported on Monday that star edge defender Arden Key is going to be suspended six games by the NFL. He was apparently caught violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy and will now face the consequences.
Arden Key played over 700 snaps last season for the Titans off the edge, tallying seven sacks and pressuring opposing quarterbacks over 40 times on the year. He was set to play an even more critical role this season as the Titans have limited veteran depth at edge defender. And while his on-field contributions as a gifted playmaker are important, his leadership and energy has been perhaps just as impactful this off-season.
Fans and media who see him in action at practice already know this, but Arden Key is hilarious, vocal, and is looked up to by his teammates. This summer when interviewing a number of rookies Key's name was often mentioned early alongside Jeffery Simmons when discussing "leaders" on defense or players who had helped the younger rookies along. Key is still practicing as of now, but his presence will be sorely missed if his full six-game suspension is upheld.
Hopefully Key has been teaching up some his fellow edge rushers this off-season who can make an impact while he's out. Key's subtle ability to win in with creative technique as an edge rusher for the Titans last year flashed all season long (as demonstrated in this highlight post against the Saints).
The Titans still have the dominant force that is Harold Landry, but finding a strong pass rush presence opposite him will be "key" for defensive success. The Two-Tone Blue will now likely have to lean heavily upon fourth year edge defender Rashad Weaver, Michigan rookie Jaylen Harrell, and a handful of fringe 53-man roster talents like Thomas Rush, Caleb Murphy, and undrafted free agent Khalid Duke early in the season.
Weaver has been transforming his body this off-season and said he's "ready to run through a wall" for new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. Jaylen Harrell told me that he played in a similar system when he was at Michigan, so he should be ready to step up when called upon. But beyond those two, there are serious questions for the Titans at edge rusher now. Hopefully the Titans' defense can hold on while Arden Key is out.
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