Downing Replacement

The predictability of the formations and play calling is a real issue for the Titans. This has been an issue that predates Downing, but has continued under him. Both Smith and LaFluer had similar issues, but to lesser degrees. A lot of this stems from what appears to be the Titans organization viewpoint that the way for them to win games is by beating up opposing teams with the run game, and transition to play action and a few other designed plays that incorporate RPO characteristics (like the play in the video).

The problem with this philosophy is that the Titans employ little deception in their playcalling. While Vrabel made fun of Mularkey's playcalling in his introductory press conference (something to the effect of him not being stupid and running into eight man boxes until it works), the playcalling under Vrabel has evolved into this. On occasions, the Titans run the same play over and over again hoping it will "pop." In essence, the offense is entirely predictable. For example, the Titans first down rushing rate has been near the top of the league in all four seasons during Vrabel's tenure (I think between 55 and 60 percent). This is with three different offensive coordinators.

What I'm getting is that I'm not sure getting rid of Downing the Titans will actually change their offense all that much. The individual play calls will likely improve to a degree, but the Titans will still be running a run first offense with plays that opposing teams will eventually be able to predict, just like the Bengals did. I feel that unless the organization is willing to alter its philosophy to some degree (maybe by being a little closer to 50/50 run/pass on first down), the results, particularly in the playoffs, will not change all that much.

 

I prefer not to have the same style offense as KC. By being a running team, titans are able to run the ball and eat clock keeping the ball away from a Mahomes.

when was the last titans shoot out similar to that disgusting display of D Buffalo and KC just had?
I’ll also add 27-3. 3 pts for the exact same offense. D and run the ball.

 

We need a blend of both. We need better WR while not abandoning the run first philosophy. But going all in on either philosophy makes a team one dimensional. We need to be hard to stop on offense because we are very good at both running and passing. We need a Pick your Poison offense to go with a lethal defense.

 

The new rules make passing much much easier than it used to be in the NFL. The run first philosophy has its limit in today’s NFL and you’ve seen it the last few playoff games for the Titans. By being a run first team, you’re choosing not to take advantage of today’s NFL rules.

 

Titans, SF, NE, Cardinals, and not really sure which Philly was, seemed like neither but all were top 10 in running %

Last year add Baltimore, Cleveland, NO, GB, and colts were top 10 in running %

For the most part, only a couple are actually over 50% but it does show how important it is to be able to run. 5 of 14 both years are among the league’s top running offenses.

 

I wasn’t saying it wasn’t important to be able to run, but you can’t rely on it. You have to be able to pass the ball.