Run defense is reason Titans remain AFC threat

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

Run defense is reason Titans remain legitimate AFC threat

By Cory Woodroof | Last updated 11/1/22

If you're wondering how the Tennessee Titans are staying atop the AFC South, look to the run game.

While the team got a vintage performance from running back Derrick Henry Sunday against Houston (219 yards on 32 attempts for two touchdowns), it's the team's run defense that's raising eyebrows.

Led by All-Star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and rising DT Teair Tart, the Tennessee defensive interior is suffocating opposing run games.

At the moment, they are second in the NFL in total run defense.

#Titans team stats after 7 games:
Offense Defense
Overall 32nd 15th
Pass 31st 24th
Run 9th 2nd
Pts. 24th (18.9) 9th (19.7)
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) November 1, 2022

Once January rolls around, nobody is going to want to run on the Titans. While the team's offense seems to be a one-trick pony and its secondary is in need of more help, the front seven is setting a vigorous tone for the Titans.

The Titans have won five-straight games after starting 0-2, seemingly poised to be the next NFL team to buck the trend that dictates that 0-2 teams miss the playoffs.

On the contrary, Tennessee looks poised for another shot for an AFC title. While the team should consider what it needs to do to get the passing game on both sides of the ball going, it can rest assured to know that it can run the ball on opponents and limit being rushed on.

That matters in the playoffs.

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