Tennessee Titans Defensive Player Grades & Takeaways From Week 8 Win Over Atlanta Falcons

The Tennessee Titans defense had moments of dominance and collapse against the Atlanta Falcons, but were able to get enough stops to win. The performance was mostly led by the Titans defensive line, who lead the defensive grades in Week 8.

The Tennessee Titans defense is led by the defensive line and is no secret. When the front plays well, the Titans get pressure and get stops. While there were some inconsistent moments, we saw enough of that from the defense in Week 8.

Jeffery Simmons was stellar, having two sacks and six pressures on the day. He stepped up in a big moment when the Titans needed him most and we see Simmons at the top of list in Pro Football Focus' defensive grades against the Atlanta Falcons.

Top Five Overall Grades

DT Jeffery Simmons - 84.5 Overall Grade

OLB Trevis Gipson - 77.1 Overall Grade

OLB Arden Key - 71.0 Overall Grade

CB Kristian Fulton - 69.7 Overall Grade

OLB Harold Landry - 65.9 Overall Grade

Simmons was incredible as discussed above, but the Titans got a great day from their edge rushers finally. Not in just pass rush, but in run defense, the edge rushers did a good job of not allowing the Falcons to get to the perimeter on their runs.

Some redemption in here for two Titans as well, Fulton and Landry. Fulton has been much-maligned due to his struggles and Landry has also been struggling coming back from a torn ACL in 2022. Both had were the best at their position in the game.

Standout Grades

S Elijah Molden - 49.2 Overall Grade

LB Jack Gibbens - 30.2 Coverage Grade

S Eric Garror - 47.7 Coverage Grade

The Titans struggled over the middle of the field in this game. Garror was called up from the practice squad to replace slot corner Roger McCreary and it did not go well. Garror gave up five catches for 40 yards and a score while also struggling in run defense.

Gibbens was right there with him. The second-year undrafted linebacker has been a pleasant surprise at start for the Titans, but he struggled to cover over the middle all game long. 

Molden stepped in at starting safety after Kevin Byard was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles and while Molden wasn't noticeably bad, he certainly had moments of struggle he will need to rebound from.

Related Titans-Falcons stories

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• WEEK 8 DRIVE CHART: The Tennessee Titans were led by rookie quarterback Will Levis on Sunday and beat the Atlanta Falcons 28-23. Levis had an incredible debut and here is a recap of what happened on every offensive drive. CLICK HERE