Red Zone Efficiency of Tennessee Titans Plays

In the NFL, red zone efficiency—measured by a team’s ability to score touchdowns (rather than field goals) when inside the opponent’s 20-yard line—often separates winning and losing teams. For the Tennessee Titans, a franchise built on a physical rushing attack, red zone efficiency isn’t just a statistic; it’s a reflection of how well their offense translates dominance in the open field to critical, high-pressure scoring opportunities. Red Zone Efficiency of Tennessee Titans Plays reveals the team’s strengths (like leveraging Derrick Henry’s power near the end zone) and weaknesses (such as inconsistent passing in tight spaces), while highlighting how playcalling and player execution shape their success. For the Titans, maximizing red zone efficiency is essential to competing in the AFC South, where close games often hinge on turning trips inside the 20 into touchdowns instead of settling for three points.

Red Zone Efficiency of Tennessee Titans Plays begins with a breakdown of the team’s core red zone strategy: leaning on their rushing game to overpower defenses near the end zone. Historically, the Titans have designed red zone plays around Derrick Henry’s unique skill set—his 6’3”, 247-pound frame allows him to break tackles, push the pile, and convert short-yardage situations into touchdowns. From 2019 to 2023, Henry scored 47 red zone touchdowns, ranking third in the NFL over that span. A key part of this success is the Titans’ use of “power formations” in the red zone: they often line up with two tight ends, a fullback, and Henry in the backfield, creating a numerical advantage in the trenches and forcing defenses to commit extra players to stop the run. For example, in a 2023 win over the Houston Texans, the Titans faced a 3rd-and-1 at the Texans’ 2-yard line; they lined up in a “jumbo” formation, with Henry taking a handoff up the middle and plowing through two defenders for a touchdown. This playcalling philosophy has paid off: from 2020 to 2022, the Titans ranked 8th in the NFL in red zone touchdown percentage (61.2%), a direct result of their ability to use Henry’s power to dominate in short-yardage scenarios.

Red Zone Efficiency of Tennessee Titans Plays next examines the role of passing in the red zone, a area where the Titans have shown both growth and inconsistency. While the run game is their bread and butter, the Titans’ red zone efficiency often improves when they balance power runs with well-timed passes—keeping defenses from stacking the box. Quarterback Will Levis, who took over as starter in 2024, has added a new dimension to the Titans’ red zone passing attack: his ability to throw accurate fade routes and tight end seams has made the offense less predictable. In 2024, the Titans’ red zone passing touchdown rate increased by 9% compared to 2023, with Levis connecting with tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo on 7 red zone touchdowns—Okonkwo’s size (6’4”) and athleticism make him a mismatch for linebackers and safeties in tight spaces. However, the Titans still struggle with passing efficiency in high-pressure situations: in 2024, they ranked 19th in the NFL in red zone interception rate, with Levis throwing 4 picks inside the 20. This inconsistency highlights a key challenge: while the run game is reliable, the Titans need a more consistent passing attack to keep defenses honest and avoid settling for field goals when the run is stopped.

Red Zone Efficiency of Tennessee Titans Plays includes a look at historical performance trends, which show how the team’s efficiency has fluctuated with roster changes and coaching adjustments. From 2019 to 2020 (Ryan Tannehill’s peak years as starter), the Titans ranked 6th in red zone touchdown percentage (63.5%), as Tannehill’s ability to extend plays with his legs and throw on the run complemented Henry’s rushing dominance. However, in 2021 (when Henry missed nine games with a foot injury), the Titans’ red zone efficiency dropped to 22nd in the NFL (54.8%), as backup running backs struggled to replicate Henry’s short-yardage success. The team rebounded in 2023, climbing back to 12th (59.1%) after Henry returned to full health and the coaching staff added more passing options in the red zone. The Tennessee Titans’ front office has recognized the link between red zone efficiency and winning: in 2024, they signed veteran tight end Austin Hooper, a proven red zone target with 28 career red zone touchdowns, to further boost their scoring potential. These trends underscore that while the Titans’ red zone success is tied to Henry, building depth and diversifying their playbook is critical to maintaining consistency.

Red Zone Efficiency of Tennessee Titans Plays compares the team’s performance to AFC South rivals, revealing how divisional success often hinges on outperforming opponents in the red zone. From 2021 to 2023, the Titans posted a higher red zone touchdown percentage than the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts in 14 of 18 divisional games. For example, in the 2023 AFC South title race, the Titans faced the Jaguars in Week 17 with the division on the line; the Titans converted 3 of 4 red zone trips into touchdowns (75%), while the Jaguars converted just 1 of 3 (33%), leading to a 28-20 Titans win. A key difference in these matchups is the Titans’ ability to control the clock before entering the red zone: their run-heavy approach wears down divisional defenses, making them more vulnerable to Henry’s power near the end zone. The Tennessee Titans’ red zone dominance over rivals is also fueled by their defense: when their defense forces turnovers or limits opponents to field goals in the red zone, it puts less pressure on the offense to convert every trip. This balance—strong red zone offense paired with stingy red zone defense—has been a hallmark of the Titans’ divisional titles in recent years.

Red Zone Efficiency of Tennessee Titans Plays concludes with strategies the team can implement to improve efficiency in 2025 and beyond. One key adjustment is expanding their passing playbook in the red zone to include more quick, high-percentage throws—like slants to wide receivers or dump-offs to running backs out of the backfield. This would force defenses to cover more of the field, preventing them from stacking the box to stop Henry. Another focus area is improving short-yardage passing: the Titans ranked 25th in the NFL in 3rd-and-1 red zone conversion rate in 2024, often struggling to connect on quick passes when defenses expect a run. Adding a versatile pass-catching running back (either via draft or free agency) could help here, as it would give Levis a reliable target in tight spaces. The Tennessee Titans should also prioritize protecting the football in the red zone: turnovers inside the 20 not only waste scoring opportunities but also give opponents momentum. By combining their dominant rushing attack with a more consistent, low-risk passing game, the Titans can elevate their red zone efficiency to top-10 levels—turning more trips inside the 20 into touchdowns and increasing their chances of winning close games. Red Zone Efficiency of Tennessee Titans Plays is, at its core, a story of potential: with the right adjustments, the Titans’ offense can turn one of their strengths into a decisive advantage, helping them compete for AFC South titles and deep playoff runs for years to come.