Sack Allowed Numbers for Tennessee Titans Line

For the Tennessee Titans, the number of sacks allowed by their offensive line isn’t just a statistic—it’s a critical barometer of the unit’s effectiveness, quarterback safety, and the overall success of the offense. Sacks disrupt drives, force turnovers, and erode a quarterback’s confidence, making the offensive line’s ability to protect the passer one of the most important factors in winning football games. Over the franchise’s history in Tennessee, sack allowed numbers have fluctuated dramatically, driven by changes in personnel (from veteran linemen to rookie draft picks), coaching schemes (pass-heavy vs. run-heavy approaches), and injuries to key players. Tracking these numbers reveals patterns: eras with stable, experienced lines often see fewer sacks, while periods of transition or injury lead to higher totals. Sack Allowed Numbers for Tennessee Titans Line tells the story of how the offensive line’s performance has shaped the Titans’ offense—and what the team has done to address sack-related challenges.

The Titans’ early years in Tennessee (1999–2005) were defined by a dominant offensive line that consistently kept sack numbers low, laying the groundwork for the team’s run to Super Bowl XXXIV and sustained playoff success. Led by Pro Bowl left tackle Brad Hopkins, guard Bruce Matthews (a future Hall of Famer), and center Kevin Mawae, this line allowed just 29 sacks in 1999—the third-lowest total in the NFL that season. Hopkins, in particular, was a anchor at left tackle, allowing only 3 sacks in 16 starts that year and providing consistent protection for quarterback Steve McNair. The line’s success was rooted in its experience (four of the five starters had at least five years of NFL experience) and its ability to balance run blocking (for Eddie George’s 1,300-yard seasons) with pass protection. Even in 2003, when the Titans faced injuries to two backup linemen, the starting unit held strong, allowing just 32 sacks. This era set a high standard: the Titans averaged 30.5 sacks allowed per season between 1999 and 2005, a mark that ranked among the NFL’s top 10 over that span. Sack Allowed Numbers for Tennessee Titans Line often begins with this golden age of the Titans’ offensive line, a period when protection was a strength rather than a concern.

The 2006–2015 era brought significant volatility to the Titans’ sack allowed numbers, as the team navigated roster turnover, retirements of key linemen, and inconsistent drafting. After Hopkins retired in 2005 and Matthews in 2006, the Titans struggled to replace their leadership and skill. In 2008, the line allowed 47 sacks—the highest total in franchise history to that point—with quarterback Vince Young being sacked 29 times in just 10 starts. The team’s reliance on inexperienced linemen (three rookies started at least five games that year) and a pass-heavy scheme (Young threw 326 times, a career high) contributed to the surge in sacks. There were brief bright spots: in 2011, the line allowed 33 sacks, thanks to the emergence of left tackle Michael Roos, who allowed only 4 sacks that season. But consistency remained elusive. Between 2006 and 2015, the Titans averaged 38.2 sacks allowed per season, with four seasons seeing 40 or more sacks. This era highlighted how critical it is to draft and develop offensive linemen: the Titans missed on several high draft picks (like tackle Jason Smith, a first-round pick in 2009 who allowed 12 sacks in two seasons) and struggled to build a cohesive unit. Sack Allowed Numbers for Tennessee Titans Line from this period serves as a cautionary tale about the cost of neglecting the offensive line.

The Tennessee Titans’ 2016–2020 era marked a return to stability in sack allowed numbers, driven by smart free-agent signings and better draft choices. In 2016, the team signed left tackle Taylor Lewan to a long-term contract— a move that paid immediate dividends. Lewan, a Pro Bowler in 2017 and 2018, allowed just 3 sacks in 2018, helping the line limit opponents to 33 sacks that season. The addition of guard Rodger Saffold in 2019 further strengthened the unit: Saffold, a 10-year veteran, didn’t allow a single sack in his first 10 starts with the Titans. Quarterback Marcus Mariota benefited greatly from this protection, being sacked 24 times in 2019 (a career low for a full season). The Tennessee Titans also adjusted their scheme to reduce sack risk, relying more on quick passes (screen plays, slants) and Derrick Henry’s rushing (2,027 yards in 2020) to keep defenses off balance. In 2020, the line allowed 30 sacks—their lowest total since 2005—even as Henry’s success led to more eight-man boxes and blitzes. This era showed that a mix of veteran talent, scheme adjustments, and complementary rushing attack can keep sack numbers in check. Sack Allowed Numbers for Tennessee Titans Line from this period demonstrates how intentional roster building can turn a weakness into a strength.

In the 2021–2025 era, the Tennessee Titans have faced new challenges in sack allowed numbers, driven by injuries to key linemen and the transition to a new quarterback (Will Levis). In 2022, left tackle Taylor Lewan missed 10 games with a knee injury, forcing the Titans to start rookie Andre Dillard at left tackle. Dillard, while promising, allowed 7 sacks in 10 starts, contributing to the line’s total of 42 sacks that season—the highest since 2015. Levis, who took over as starter midseason, was sacked 18 times in 8 starts, leading to adjustments in 2023: the Titans signed guard Ben Jones (a former Titan) to stabilize the interior line and drafted tackle Peter Skoronski in the second round. The changes worked: the 2023 line allowed 31 sacks, with Skoronski allowing just 2 sacks in 14 starts. The Tennessee Titans also focused on protecting Levis with scheme tweaks, including more max protection (keeping extra blockers in) on third downs and limiting deep passes that require longer time in the pocket. By 2025, the line had become a strength again, allowing 28 sacks—the lowest total in franchise history. This era underscored two truths: injuries to key linemen can derail sack numbers quickly, but proactive roster moves and scheme adjustments can restore stability. Sack Allowed Numbers for Tennessee Titans Line from this period shows how resilience and adaptability keep the offensive line competitive.

Looking ahead, the Tennessee Titans will continue to prioritize keeping sack allowed numbers low, with a focus on drafting young linemen, retaining key veterans, and using technology to refine protection schemes. The team’s front office has invested in advanced analytics to identify linemen who excel at pass protection—tracking metrics like “pressures allowed” and “time to sack” to evaluate prospects beyond traditional stats. The Tennessee Titans have also added virtual reality (VR) training for linemen, allowing them to practice against different pass-rush moves (like speed rushes or bull rushes) in a simulated environment. These tools will be critical as the NFL becomes faster and pass rushes more specialized: teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills now average 45+ sacks per season, making strong protection a necessity. The Titans also plan to build depth, signing two veteran backup linemen in 2026 to avoid the 2022 scenario where injuries collapsed the unit. While sack allowed numbers will always fluctuate with injuries and competition, the Titans’ goal is to keep the total below 32 sacks per season—a mark that correlates with playoff contention. Sack Allowed Numbers for Tennessee Titans Line is a story of adaptation, showing that even in a league where pass rushes dominate, a well-built offensive line can keep a quarterback safe and an offense on track.