The Tennessee Titans sported one of the worst defensive units in the NFL last season, partly because they couldn’t stop a nose bleed on third downs.
Tennessee’s defense allowed opponents to convert on 51.9 percent of their third-down tries in 2020, the worst mark in the NFL. Whether it was third-and-1 or third-and-15, the Titans simply couldn’t get off the field.
The man calling the plays, defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who had the role without the title last year, admitted that the defense “wasn’t ready to go” at times, and noted how important it is for the unit to be better prepared.
#Titans' Shane Bowen: Says too many times last year on third down, the defense "wasn't ready to go." If defense is fully prepared, makes it that much tougher for offense to beat them … (Pretty clear getting better on third downs is a huge emphasis after last year.)
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) August 3, 2021
It isn’t clear what exactly Bowen was talking about specifically, but it’s a damning admission nonetheless. The buck stops with Bowen when the defense isn’t fully prepared.
Bowen pointed to third downs, red zone defense and getting more turnovers as points of emphasis in 2021.
#Titans' Shane Bowen: Says he thinks you have to learn from last season. Now that we're into 2021, it's about points of emphasis this year — third downs, red zone, making sure turnovers are high.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) August 3, 2021
Surprised doesn’t begin to describe the reaction to the news that Bowen had received a promotion in 2021. After all, the defense was dreadful in many facets, and players routinely mentioned communication issues.
The defensive coordinator says having the title helps him communicate things better with the players. It also doesn’t hurt that Bowen can now focus on the entire defense, something he wasn’t able to fully do last year because he doubled as the outside linebackers coach.
#Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen said he believes having the DC title helps him to better communicate things to the players. "They kind of know where the buck stops."
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) August 3, 2021
Part of the plan to help improve the defense going into 2021 was the hiring of former head coach and defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, who is serving as a senior defensive assistant.
Bowen called Schwartz a “great asset” and is happy to have him aboard.
#Titans' Shane Bowen: Jim Schwartz is a great sounding board for me … We go through our plan for different scenarios … Very excited he's here. Has been a great asset for me.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) August 3, 2021
Scroll down to check out everything else Bowen had to say in his training camp presser on Tuesday.
