Forced Fumbles in Tennessee Titans Matches

In the high-stakes world of NFL football, forced fumbles are among the most electrifying and impactful plays—turning possession in an instant, swinging momentum, and often deciding the outcome of tight games. Forced Fumbles in Tennessee Titans Matches shines a light on how the Titans’ defense has mastered this art, using a mix of brute strength, precise technique, and strategic awareness to strip the ball from opponents and fuel game-winning drives. For the Titans, forced fumbles aren’t just random acts of luck; they’re a deliberate part of their defensive identity—honed in practice, designed by coaches, and executed by players who understand that every touch of the ball is a chance to take it back. As the Titans battle in the physical AFC South, where running backs like Travis Etienne and Jonathan Taylor test defenses weekly, forced fumbles have become a cornerstone of their ability to shut down opposing offenses and secure victories.

Forced Fumbles in Tennessee Titans Matches begins with the team’s top fumble-forcing playmakers, whose unique skills and relentless mindsets make them nightmares for ball carriers. Defensive end Denico Autry leads the charge, recording 9 forced fumbles over the past two seasons—often using his signature “rip-and-strip” technique: he uses one hand to push the offensive lineman aside, then the other to swipe at the ball carrier’s arm, jarring the ball loose. Linebacker Harold Landry III is another force, with 7 forced fumbles in the same period, relying on his speed to chase down running backs from behind and punch the ball out with his right hand (a move he refined in college). “Forcing fumbles is about timing and technique—not just strength,” Autry said after a 2024 game where he forced two fumbles against the Houston Texans. “You have to study the ball carrier’s habits: do they hold the ball low? Do they protect it with one hand? Once you know that, you can attack the weakness.” Together, Autry and Landry account for 65% of the Titans’ forced fumbles since 2023, proving that individual skill—paired with meticulous preparation—is the foundation of a fumble-creating defense.

A defining factor in Forced Fumbles in Tennessee Titans Matches is the Titans’ defensive scheme, which is specifically designed to put ball carriers in vulnerable positions. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s system emphasizes “gap discipline” and “pursuit angles”: each defender is assigned a specific gap to control, forcing the ball carrier to run into a crowd of Titans players, while linebackers and defensive backs are trained to pursue from the sides and behind—positions where ball carriers are more likely to expose the football. For example, in the Titans’ “4-3 Under” alignment, the defensive tackle lines up directly over the center, forcing the running back to bounce the play outside, where Landry or fellow linebacker David Long Jr. are waiting to deliver a hit and strip the ball. In 2024, the Titans recorded 16 forced fumbles—their highest total since 2018—with 10 of those coming on plays where the ball carrier was forced outside. “Our scheme is built to create chaos for the ball carrier,” Bowen explained. “We don’t just want to tackle them—we want to make them feel surrounded, so they get nervous and hold the ball loose. That’s when forced fumbles happen.” This strategic approach has turned the Titans’ defense from a solid unit into one of the NFL’s most opportunistic, with forced fumbles leading to 38 points off turnovers in 2024.

Forced Fumbles in Tennessee Titans Matches also highlights the game-changing impact of timely forced fumbles—plays that don’t just pad stats but directly swing the outcome of critical matchups. One of the most memorable examples came in the 2024 AFC Wild Card Game against the Cincinnati Bengals, with the Titans trailing 17-14 late in the fourth quarter. Bengals running back Joe Mixon took a handoff and sprinted toward the end zone, looking to seal the win with a touchdown. But Titans linebacker Harold Landry III chased him down from behind, delivering a hard hit to Mixon’s arm and forcing the ball loose. Safety Kevin Byard recovered the fumble in the end zone, giving the Titans possession and a chance to tie the game. The Titans went on to kick a game-winning field goal in overtime, advancing to the divisional round. “That forced fumble wasn’t just a play—it was a season-altering moment,” said Titans head coach Brian Callahan. “When Harold stripped that ball, he didn’t just save a touchdown—he gave us a chance to win. That’s the kind of play that defines great defenses.” For the Tennessee Titans, these clutch forced fumbles have been the difference between playoff exits and deep runs, underscoring why this skill is so critical to their defensive success.

Another key element of Forced Fumbles in Tennessee Titans Matches is the team’s rigorous practice drills, which are specifically designed to refine fumble-forcing techniques and build muscle memory. The Titans’ defense runs a daily “strip drill”: a coach holds a football attached to a rope, and players practice their rip-and-strip or punch techniques, focusing on hitting the ball—not the ball carrier’s body. They also run “live scrimmage reps” where running backs wear a special “fumble vest” (a vest with Velcro-attached footballs) to simulate game-like ball security, forcing defenders to focus on stripping rather than just tackling. Additionally, the Titans use film study to break down opponents’ ball carriers: they note how each player holds the ball, which hand they favor, and when they tend to relax their grip (e.g., when breaking a tackle). “Practice is where we turn technique into instinct,” said Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams. “A player might know how to strip the ball, but until they’ve done it 100 times in practice, they won’t do it in a game when the pressure is on.” This focus on repetition has paid off: the Titans’ defenders successfully force a fumble on 12% of their tackles—well above the NFL average of 8%. For the Tennessee Titans, these practice habits are the unsung hero of their forced fumble success, turning potential missed opportunities into game-changing plays.

Looking ahead, Forced Fumbles in Tennessee Titans Matches will remain a top priority as the team looks to strengthen its defense further. The Titans have invested in young talent through the draft, including 2025 second-round pick defensive tackle Malik White, who showcased elite strip skills in college (11 forced fumbles in three seasons) and has already added depth to the Titans’ fumble-forcing rotation. They’re also refining their scheme to target specific weaknesses in AFC South offenses—for example, designing plays to force Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne (who tends to hold the ball low) into situations where he’s vulnerable to strips. “Forced fumbles will always be part of who we are defensively,” Bowen said. “As offenses adapt, we’ll keep finding new ways to attack the ball—because we know that every forced fumble is a chance to change the game.” For the Tennessee Titans, mastering forced fumbles isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity in a division where games are often decided by a single turnover. Forced Fumbles in Tennessee Titans Matches isn’t just about statistics; it’s about building a defensive unit that can take control of games, inspire fans, and lead the team toward championship contention. When a Titan defender strips the ball loose, it’s more than a play—it’s a statement that the defense is in charge.