While we only got a small sample size on Saturday, Tennessee Titans rookie running back Tyjae Spears looked phenomenal in his preseason debut. Spears’ potential was on full display from his very first carry.
The Tulane product took the handoff and immediately recognized that the Bears failed to set the edge on the right side. He subsequently cut back inside toward the open field before hitting a ridiculous cut where he planted his foot and exploded upfield for a nine-yard gain.
Shortly after, Spears took a toss and stiff-armed Bears safety Eddie Jackson en route to beating several defenders’ pursuit angles for a 14-yard gain.
The rookie running back rightly only played on one drive, rushing for over five yards per carry behind the Titans’ starting offensive line and finishing with 32 yards on six carries.
First carry for Tyjae Spears. Nice cutback pic.twitter.com/JV0oF7dpgJ
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 12, 2023
“He did a nice job out there in the open field,” head coach Vrabel said, per Jim Wyatt. “We’ll just keep working, progressing, and hopefully give him some more work this week.”
It may only be preseason (the Bears did have some starters out there), but it’s evident that adding Spears’ speed and quickness to this offense has the potential to be a massive problem for opponents.
Spears with that speed 🔥 pic.twitter.com/6F8PPkB6vN
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 12, 2023
The change of pace that Tennessee will be able to use out of the backfield is going to be a headache for opposing defenses.
Going from a powerful runner like Derrick Henry to a fast and agile athlete such as Spears is not something that’s going to be fun to play against.
Imagine having to tackle a 260-pound monster several times throughout a drive, then all of a sudden you’re chasing someone who has Spears’ impressive skill set.
Derrick Henry’s transformation from a big running back to a cyborg doesn’t get talked about enough lol pic.twitter.com/Py2c0t2nMO
— Shaun Calderon (@ShaunMichaels31) July 11, 2023
Both have the ability to wear you out in completely different ways, and the Titans should be able to do some creative things where both of them are in the backfield together in order to create more headaches.
The former Cotton Bowl MVP is capable of being a dynamic pass-catcher on third downs, as well. As good as Dontrell Hilliard was in that role in recent years, Spears has the talent to surpass that.
There’s no telling how long this tandem will last, considering Henry is in the final year of his contract. But Titans fans should enjoy and embrace the fact that we may be on the verge of another great running back in Tennessee, even if we all know what it will probably mean for No. 22 in 2024.
Titans rookie RB Tyjae Spears flashing his agility and speed early on. Have to think the Titans are hoping he can be the lightning to Henry’s thunder—keep 22 fresher for the end of the season.
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 12, 2023
Thankfully, we can worry about that when we get there. But for now, let’s just enjoy what could be one of the best running back tandems in all of football, if everything goes according to plan.
