Third-Down Conversions by Tennessee Titans

In the NFL, third-down conversions are the lifeblood of a successful offense—they extend drives, keep opposing defenses on the field, and create opportunities for scoring. For the Tennessee Titans, mastering third downs has long been a priority, as their run-heavy offensive identity and reliance on controlling the clock depend on converting these critical plays. Third-Down Conversions by Tennessee Titans isn’t just a statistical category; it’s a reflection of the team’s ability to adapt, execute under pressure, and capitalize on small windows of opportunity. Whether it’s a short-yardage run by Derrick Henry to move the chains or a precision pass from Ryan Tannehill to a wide receiver in tight coverage, third-down success often separates winning games from losing ones. For Titans fans, third-down conversions are moments of tension and triumph—when the offense proves it can rise to the occasion and keep the momentum going.

Third-Down Conversions by Tennessee Titans begin with understanding the statistical context and why this metric matters so much to the team’s strategy. Historically, the Titans have leaned on their rushing attack to convert short-yardage third downs (3 yards or fewer), leveraging Henry’s size (6’3”, 247 lbs) and power to plow through defensive lines. For example, in the 2020 season—when Henry rushed for over 2,000 yards—the Titans ranked 8th in the NFL in third-down conversion rate (41.2%), with nearly 60% of their successful third downs coming via the run. In contrast, when facing longer third downs (7 yards or more), the Titans shift to a more pass-heavy approach, relying on Tannehill’s ability to connect with receivers like Robert Woods or Treylon Burks on quick routes or deep crosses. “Third downs are all about matching your strengths to the situation,” says former Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing. “If we have a short yardage, we trust Derrick to get it done. If it’s longer, we look to spread the defense and create mismatches in the passing game.” This flexibility has helped the Titans maintain a consistent third-down conversion rate over the years, even when key players are injured or opponents adjust their defensive schemes.

A defining season for Third-Down Conversions by Tennessee Titans was 2021, when the team ranked 5th in the NFL with a 42.8% third-down conversion rate—a performance that played a key role in their 12-5 record and AFC South division title. That season, the Titans excelled in both short and long third downs, thanks to a balanced offense and clutch performances from key players. In short-yardage situations, Henry converted 78% of his third-down carries (28 of 36), often breaking multiple tackles to move the chains. In longer situations, Tannehill shined, completing 65% of his third-down passes for 1,240 yards and 8 touchdowns. One memorable example came in a Week 12 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars: facing a third-and-10 with 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Tannehill threw a 15-yard pass to Burks, who made a diving catch to keep the drive alive. The Titans went on to kick a game-winning field goal, securing the victory. “That 2021 team had a knack for winning third downs when it mattered most,” says Titans radio analyst Mike Keith. “They never panicked—they just executed their plays, and that’s what made them so dangerous.” The 2021 season remains a benchmark for third-down success in Titans history, showcasing how this metric can elevate an offense from good to great.

Third-Down Conversions by Tennessee Titans also play a critical role in game management, as successful conversions help the team control the clock and limit opposing offenses’ opportunities. The Titans’ “clock-control” strategy relies on sustaining long drives—often 7-10 plays or more—which wear down defenses and reduce the number of possessions for high-powered opposing offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills. For example, in a 2022 win over the Chiefs, the Titans converted 6 of 10 third downs, leading to three drives that lasted over 5 minutes each. This kept Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his offense on the sidelines for nearly 35 minutes of game time, limiting their scoring chances. “Controlling the clock starts with converting third downs,” says Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. “If you can keep your offense on the field, you take away opportunities from the other team. It’s a simple formula, but it works when you execute.” For the Tennessee Titans, third-down conversions aren’t just about moving the chains—they’re about dictating the pace of the game and putting the team in a position to win. This strategic focus has made the Titans one of the most effective clock-control teams in the NFL when they’re converting third downs at a high rate.

Another key aspect of Third-Down Conversions by Tennessee Titans is the team’s ability to adjust to opposing defenses and find ways to exploit weaknesses on third down. Defenses often change their schemes on third down—using more blitzes, dropping extra defenders into coverage, or shifting to specialty packages—and the Titans must adapt quickly to these changes. For example, if an opposing defense blitzes frequently on third down, the Titans will use quick passes to running backs or tight ends, who can catch the ball and gain yards before the blitzers arrive. If a defense drops into heavy coverage, the Titans will use play-action passes to create space for Henry or a receiver on a deep route. In 2023, the Titans faced a league-high 32 blitzes on third down but still converted 40% of those plays, thanks to Tannehill’s quick decision-making and the offensive line’s ability to block extra rushers. “Third down is a chess match,” says current Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. “We spend hours studying film to see how defenses react on third down, and we design plays to counter those reactions. It’s all about being one step ahead.” For the Tennessee Titans, this adaptability is what makes their third-down offense so difficult to stop—they never rely on just one play or one player; they use a variety of strategies to keep defenses guessing.

Looking ahead, Third-Down Conversions by Tennessee Titans will remain a focal point of the team’s offensive strategy, especially as they look to rebuild and improve in 2024 and beyond. With Henry still leading the rushing attack and young receivers like Burks and Kyle Philips developing, the Titans have the pieces to maintain a strong third-down offense. The team is also investing in their offensive line, signing veteran linemen to improve pass protection and run blocking—two key factors in third-down success. In the 2024 preseason, the Titans have already shown signs of improvement, converting 45% of their third downs in their first two games, including a third-and-12 conversion where Tannehill threw a 20-yard pass to Philips, who broke a tackle to move the chains. “Our goal every season is to be a top-10 team in third-down conversions,” says Kelly. “That means everyone on the offense has to do their part—from the linemen blocking, to the quarterback making the right read, to the receivers and running backs making plays after the catch. It’s a team effort, and we’re committed to getting better every week.” For the Tennessee Titans, third-down conversions will continue to be a measure of offensive success—and a key ingredient in their pursuit of another AFC South title and a deep playoff run. As Henry once said, “Third downs are where you prove your toughness. You either get it done, or you go home. We choose to get it done.”