There were a lot of solid performances from players on both sides of the ball that went into the Tennessee Titans’ success last year.
The efforts of since-retired Dean Pees’ defense didn’t go unnoticed as the team played complementary football.
The unit excelled against the run last year, finishing out as Pro Football Focus’ fourth highest-graded defense.
The Titans were not only good in containing their opponents’ leading rushers, but also in generating their own run game.
Former Alabama rusher Derrick Henry made the Titans’ offense practically unstoppable behind his efforts on the ground, finishing the season out with the 1,540 rushing yards and the league’s rushing title.
He would have a harder time accomplishing that without a stout offensive line, though.
According to PFF, the Titans also posted the sixth-highest run-blocking grade of the season.
On the defensive side of the things, the Titans will look to keep the run defense strong as coach Mike Vrabel assumes a heavier hand in the defense without a new defensive coordinator in the fold.
Defensive lineman D.J. Reader, who is not expected to re-sign with the division rival Houston Texans, could also be in the mix to help improve Tennessee’s defensive front even more.
Tennessee is among the teams interested in Reader, according to a report from the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson.
