As the Tennessee Titans’ offense continues to struggle through the air this season, offensive coordinator Todd Downing has rightly become public enemy No. 1 in Nashville.
Sure, Downing can’t control pass protection and wide receiver play, two other issues this offense has, but he can control play-calling (and scheming to get players open) and personnel decisions.
But apparently those are not two things head coach Mike Vrabel believes the offensive coordinator should have to worry about. No, Vrabel has a far lower bar for his offensive play-caller.
“I think as long as the play calls are given to the signal caller in a timely fashion and we have time to get out there, I think players are more important than plays,” Vrabel responded when asked by Paul Kuharsky if he’s satisfied with the team’s play-calling this season. “I think teammates are more important than players. Hopefully we’re getting these guys the call and they understand the details, but there’s no magic call.”
So, Downing just has to get the play calls in on time and everything is gravy? In his attempt to defend the indefensible, Vrabel is left looking mighty silly with this response.
Anyone with a pulse can see Downing’s play-calling has been a detriment to an offense that can ill-afford anymore hurdles. Hell, Downing himself even admitted he can do a better job.
“I don’t think anytime that there’s a lack of success or productivity it’s on one group,” Downing said, per ESPN’s Turron Davenport. “I’ll always say it starts with me; I’ve got to find ways to get those guys involved and find better ways to free them up and get some stuff going.”
What’s puzzling here is he could’ve gone with his more typical answer of “we all need to do better” that he normally gives when asked about a criticism of his team, but he didn’t do that here.
That, at the very least, makes me worry that Vrabel is actually content with the job Downing has done. Or perhaps he’s just too damn stubborn to admit he might’ve made a bad hire. The latter is more likely.
Yes, execution is key, but a play-caller can significantly help things along, something we haven’t seen a shred of from Downing in a season-plus.
Not to mention, on an offense that is lacking play-making ability at the wide receiver position like the Titans are in 2022, play-calling becomes even more important.
Anyone hoping Vrabel is going to make a change this season can put that to bed for now. Vrabes isn’t even thinking of moving in that direction and, in fact, is pretty much doubling down on Downing instead.
