Tennessee Titans: Jack Conklin, Marcus Mariota Discuss Playing Without Taylor Lewan
Playing without Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan, who is facing a four-game suspension due to a failed drug test, will be a tough test for the Tennessee Titans. Yet, it is one that multiple players feel the team is more than equipped to handle. "I think the team’s done a great job of putting […]
Playing without Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Lewan, who is facing a four-game suspension due to a failed drug test, will be a tough test for the Tennessee Titans. Yet, it is one that multiple players feel the team is more than equipped to handle.
"I think the team’s done a great job of putting together a lot of depth on our offensive line," said former All-Pro tackle Jack Conklin, "and obviously we wish we could have Taylor out there, but we’ve got a lot of guys who are going to step up and help feel the gap. We’re going to be strong and we’re going to be confident in a good group."
One of the key members of that group the Titans have assembled is tackle Dennis Kelly, who has had to fill in for both Lewan and Conklin on multiple occasions in the past.
"Dennis has [filled in] quite a few times for me and Taylor," Conklin said. "He’s got the experience, he’s shown he can play. It’s going to be a huge help for us, especially going forward this year. I don’t think there was ever a time where we stepped back and thought it was going to hurt us too much."
"Dennis is a guy who has been here for a few years," said quarterback Marcus Mariota. "He’s done it. There have been situations where he’s had to come in and step up for us. We have full confidence in him, and I think we’ll be okay."
Kelly, whose role as a swing tackle forces him to be prepared to play on both sides of the offensive line, said that switching from side to side is an adjustment, but it's a doable one.
"Obviously, when I’m in that swing role position, I try to make sure I do both sides of it during the week so that I can be prepared. You need a day or two just to get back into it and get to feel comfortable.
"It definitely helps with confidence knowing that I’ve done it before. But at the same time, it’s a new year, I’m a year older. Things have changed, so I kind of approach it to do well."
"I think it’s part of our culture," Mariota said. "Dennis has been a guy who has stepped up when we’ve asked him to. It is unfortunate, but I think that offensive line room has guys who are more than capable of that. We’re going to have to lean on those guys."
The Titans acquired Kelly in a trade prior to the 2016 season that sent former second-round pick WR Dorial Green-Beckham to the Philadelphia Eagles. At the time, many thought that trade was a bad one for the Titans.
Over the years, though, Kelly has proved to be a highly valuable asset for the Titans. Now, they need him more than ever.
Cover image: Titans Online
