Improved Pass Rush Can Add To Titans Secondary Improvement

The Tennessee Titans secondary is the Achilles heel of their defense, but it could improve with the addition of a new coach and an improved pass rush.

Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Titans defense finished the 2022 NFL season ranked No. 11 overall in total defense. That number would have been higher were it not for the struggles of their secondary.  

As a unit, the secondary allowed 274.8 yards passing of the defense's 351.6 total yards per game last season, a figure that must come down this season if the Titans are to have a chance to return to the top of the AFC South. 

Along with the addition of new secondary coach Chris Harris, who during his playing career earned second-team All-Pro honors, and comes with a pedigree as a talented coach, the Titans defensive backfield could benefit from an improved pass rush. 

While Bud Dupree is no longer a Titan, new general manager Ran Carthon added Arden Key in free agency to fill that spot. Add to that the expected return of Harold Landry from last year's season-ending injury, and this team has the makings of a good starting pass-rush duo.

Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen was asked about Landry and his rehab on Tuesday as he met the local media for the first time this season. 

"It's good to have him back," said Bowen. "I mean, any time guys go through injuries like that during the season, they kind of drift away, go get their surgeries and rehab, and we're so consumed with everything going on week to week, it's hard to really stay connected to those guys."    

"Now, having him here working, I know he's going to be working as hard as anybody to get back out there," continued Bowen. "It's been a long process for him leading up to this point. He's in meetings and involved with the guys around, so it's great to have him back."  

As for Key, his presence on the practice field was easily visible on Tuesday as he consistently flashed his ability by putting pressure on the quarterbacks. He, along with a healthy Landry should produce an improvement in the team's pass rush from their starting tandem. 

As for the depth, Rashad Weaver is currently the only proven producer behind the starters. 

Bowen spoke of Weaver as well on Tuesday.

"Yeah, Weave stepped up for us last year. He did a really good job when he was in the for us last year," said Bowen. "He's working his butt off now and progressing and improving. I always talk about year one to year two, he's shown improvement. He was injured, I think, early in year one, and now, getting from year two to year three, it's time for him to take another big step, and I think he expects it of himself, and we expect it of him."    

Outside the top three rushers, there are serious questions about the depth, which could be addressed as cuts begin from other rosters, or perhaps someone else on the roster could step up to provide that depth. 

Regardless of where it comes from, an improved pass rush will positively impact the Titans secondary as they work to improve last season's terrible numbers. 

Titans Related Stories

• NEWEST RECEIVER CHRIS MOORE EXCITED ABOUT OPPORTUNITY WITH TITANS: Chris Moore wanted a new start on a team with a winning culture, which led him to the Titans. CLICK HERE
• TITANS, VRABEL EXPECT TOTAL TEAM IMPROVEMENT IN 2023: It's nothing we haven't heard from coaches before, but Titans head coach Mike Vrabel expects a total team improvement from every aspect of his team this season. CLICK HERE
• TITANS MALIK WILLIS WORKING TO GET BETTER EVERY DAY: Second-year Titans quarterback Malik Willis had a tough end to his 2022 season, but he has spent his time during this offseason working to get better every day. CLICK HERE