Rushing Averages in Tennessee Titans Offense

For the Tennessee Titans, rushing averages aren’t just a statistical measure—they’re the backbone of the team’s offensive identity. For over a decade, the Titans have built their scheme around a dominant running game, using rushing averages to gauge efficiency, control the clock, and set up play-action passes that keep defenses off balance. Rushing Averages in Tennessee Titans Offense reflects more than how many yards per carry the team accumulates; it’s a barometer of the offense’s overall success, influencing everything from game tempo to opponent defensive game plans. Whether led by Derrick Henry’s brute strength or a committee of backs, the Titans’ rushing average has consistently ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in recent years—a testament to their commitment to a physical, ground-and-pound style that resonates with both players and fans.

Rushing Averages in Tennessee Titans Offense begins with a look at historical trends, which highlight the team’s long-standing reliance on the run. Since 2016, the Titans have never finished below 12th in the NFL in rushing yards per game, with their peak coming in 2020 when they led the league with 168.1 rushing yards per game and a 5.2 yards-per-carry average—powered by Henry’s 2,027-yard season. That 5.2 average wasn’t just a franchise record; it was the highest in the NFL that year, showcasing how Henry’s combination of speed, strength, and elusiveness turned ordinary runs into big gains. Even in seasons where Henry was injured (like 2021, when he missed nine games), the Titans maintained a respectable 4.1 yards-per-carry average, thanks to a rotating cast of backs and a strong offensive line. This consistency underscores a key point: the Titans’ rushing success isn’t just about one player—it’s built into the scheme, with offensive coordinators designing plays that leverage the line’s strength and the backs’ unique skills. Historical averages also reveal a pattern: when the Titans’ rushing average exceeds 4.5 yards per carry, they have a winning record 82% of the time—a stat that reinforces how critical the run game is to their overall success.

Rushing Averages in Tennessee Titans Offense next delves into how these averages shape game strategy, particularly in terms of clock control and play-action efficiency. A high rushing average (4.5+ yards per carry) allows the Titans to eat up game time, reducing the number of possessions for opposing offenses and limiting their chances to score. For example, in a 2023 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Titans rushed for 182 yards on 32 carries (5.7 yards per carry), holding the ball for 38:12—over 12 minutes more than the Jaguars. This time of possession advantage forced the Jaguars into a one-dimensional, pass-heavy approach, which the Titans’ defense exploited with three interceptions. A strong rushing average also makes play-action passes more effective: when defenses stack the box to stop the run, the Titans can fake a handoff to Henry and hit a wide receiver or tight end with a deep pass. In 2020, when the Titans’ rushing average was 5.2, their play-action passes resulted in 8.7 yards per attempt—3.1 yards more than their non-play-action attempts. This synergy between the run game and play-action is what makes the Titans’ offense so difficult to defend; a high rushing average doesn’t just produce yards—it opens up the entire playbook.

Rushing Averages in Tennessee Titans Offense includes a comparison to AFC South rivals, which highlights how the Titans’ run game gives them a competitive edge in the division. Since 2019, the Titans have posted a higher rushing average than the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts in 12 of 15 head-to-head matchups. For example, in their 2023 divisional games, the Titans averaged 4.8 yards per carry against the Colts (who allowed 4.1 to other teams), 5.1 against the Texans (who allowed 3.9), and 4.6 against the Jaguars (who allowed 4.2). This ability to outperform their rivals’ rushing defenses is a key reason the Titans have won three AFC South titles since 2020. The Tennessee Titans’ offensive line deserves much of the credit here—players like Taylor Lewan (retired) and Andre Dillard have consistently opened holes against divisional defensive lines, while Henry’s ability to break tackles has turned short gains into long runs. When the Titans outrush their AFC South opponents by 0.5 yards per carry or more, they win 75% of the time—a statistic that makes the rushing average a critical factor in divisional supremacy. For the Titans, beating their rivals in the run game isn’t just a point of pride; it’s a path to the playoffs.

Rushing Averages in Tennessee Titans Offense examines the impact of injuries on rushing efficiency, and how the team adjusts to maintain strong averages when key players are sidelined. The most notable example came in 2021, when Henry suffered a foot injury in Week 8, ending his season early. Before the injury, the Titans averaged 5.0 yards per carry; after, they adjusted to a committee approach featuring D’Onta Foreman and Jeremy McNichols, finishing the season with a 4.1 average—still good enough for 12th in the NFL. This resilience was due to two factors: a strong offensive line that continued to create holes, and the coaching staff’s ability to tailor the run game to the backs’ strengths (Foreman’s power, McNichols’ speed). The Tennessee Titans also showed adaptability in 2024, when Henry missed three games with a hamstring strain. Backup Tyjae Spears stepped in, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns, helping the Titans maintain a 4.3 overall rushing average. These examples prove that while star players like Henry boost averages, the Titans’ run game is built on depth and scheme—ensuring they don’t collapse when key contributors are out. This ability to adapt is what keeps their rushing average consistent, even in the face of adversity.

Rushing Averages in Tennessee Titans Offense concludes with a look at the future, and how the team plans to maintain strong rushing averages as the NFL shifts toward a more pass-heavy style. The Titans’ front office has made it clear they won’t abandon their ground-and-pound identity, signing Henry to a two-year extension in 2023 and drafting offensive linemen in the early rounds (like Alabama’s JC Latham in 2025) to strengthen the line. Offensive coordinators have also begun integrating more modern elements into the run game, like zone-read plays and designed quarterback runs, to complement Henry’s power and keep defenses guessing. These adjustments are already paying off: in 2024, the Titans’ rushing average was 4.6 yards per carry, with 30% of their runs coming from spread formations—up from 18% in 2020. The Tennessee Titans’ commitment to the run game isn’t just about tradition; it’s a strategic choice that plays to their strengths and exploits opponent weaknesses. As long as their rushing average remains above 4.0 yards per carry, they’ll continue to be a tough out for any team in the NFL. Rushing Averages in Tennessee Titans Offense is, at its core, a story of identity—of a team that knows who it is, plays to its strengths, and uses the run game to build success one yard at a time.