Defensive Improvements Noted in the Tennessee Titans Games

After a slow start to the 2024 season, the Tennessee Titans’ defense has quietly emerged as a bright spot, with measurable improvements in key areas that have helped keep games competitive—even when the offense has struggled. What began as a unit ranked near the bottom of the NFL in run defense and sacks has evolved into a more disciplined, aggressive group, capable of shutting down opposing attacks for stretches and creating momentum-changing turnovers. From adjusted run-stopping schemes to breakout performances from young players, the Titans’ defense has turned a corner in recent weeks, offering a glimmer of hope for a team still clinging to faint playoff aspirations. Defensive Improvements Noted in the Tennessee Titans Games explores these key enhancements, the players driving them, and how they’ve impacted the team’s fortunes on the field.

One of the most notable improvements has been in run defense—a area where the Titans ranked 30th in the NFL through Week 8 but have climbed to 22nd over their last four games, limiting opponents to just 98.5 rushing yards per contest. This turnaround is no accident: defensive coordinator Shane Bowen adjusted the team’s base 4-3 scheme to include more “gap exchange” assignments, where defensive linemen and linebackers swap responsibilities to plug holes, and added more blitzes from edge linebackers to disrupt running lanes. The results were on full display in Week 12 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where the Titans held Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr.—who entered the game averaging 5.1 yards per carry—to just 62 yards on 18 attempts (3.4 yards per rush). Linebacker Monty Rice, who stepped into a starting role due to injuries, led the charge with 11 tackles and 1 tackle for loss, consistently beating Jaguars blockers to the point of attack. “We’ve been working on this run-stopping scheme for weeks, and it’s finally clicking,” Rice said after the game. Defensive Improvements Noted in the Tennessee Titans Games emphasizes that this improvement isn’t just about stats—it’s about the defense gaining confidence in its ability to shut down one of the NFL’s most explosive rushing attacks.

Another key area of growth has been the Titans’ pass rush, which has gone from generating 1.2 sacks per game through Week 8 to 2.5 sacks per game in their last four contests—thanks in large part to increased usage of stunts and blitzes, and breakout play from young defensive linemen. Rookie defensive end Tyreque Jones, a seventh-round pick who was rarely used early in the season, has emerged as a surprise contributor, recording 2 sacks and 4 quarterback hits in his last three games. Jones’ success stems from his ability to execute “loop stunts,” where he circles behind fellow defensive linemen to avoid offensive tackles and pressure the quarterback—a tactic Bowen has leaned into to compensate for the injury to starter Denico Autry. In Week 13 against the Houston Texans, Jones’ third-quarter sack of C.J. Stroud forced a fumble that was recovered by the Titans, leading to a game-tying touchdown. “Tyreque has worked his tail off, and it’s paying off,” Bowen said post-game. “He’s a quick learner, and he’s making the most of his opportunities.” The Titans have also increased their blitz rate from 28% to 35% in recent weeks, with linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Monty Rice combining for 3 sacks and 6 quarterback hurries during that stretch. Defensive Improvements Noted in the Tennessee Titans Games notes that this pass-rush resurgence has taken pressure off the secondary, allowing cornerbacks and safeties to play more aggressively in coverage.

For the Tennessee Titans, a third critical improvement has been in turnover creation—with the defense forcing 8 takeaways in their last four games (2 per game) after generating just 7 in their first eight contests (0.88 per game). This uptick is due in part to better ball awareness from defensive backs and more aggressive play from linebackers, who have started going for the ball instead of just making tackles. Safety Kevin Byard, the team’s career interception leader, has been at the center of this change: he’s recorded 2 interceptions and 1 forced fumble in his last three games, including a game-sealing pick in the end zone against the Jaguars in Week 12. Byard credited the improvement to film study: “We’ve been breaking down opponents’ tendencies with the ball—where quarterbacks look when they’re under pressure, how running backs hold the ball when they’re tired—and it’s helping us anticipate plays.” Cornerback Roger McCreary has also stepped up, recording his first interception of the season in Week 11 and breaking up 4 passes in his last four games. For the Tennessee Titans, these turnovers have been game-changers: they’ve turned 6 of the 8 takeaways into points, including 4 touchdowns, giving the offense much-needed support. Defensive Improvements Noted in the Tennessee Titans Games explores how this focus on forcing turnovers has shifted the momentum in close games, turning potential losses into hard-fought wins.

The Tennessee Titans’ secondary, which struggled with coverage consistency early in the season, has also shown significant improvement—ranking 15th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game over the last four weeks (215.8) after ranking 26th through Week 8 (256.3). This growth is due to a combination of better communication and adjusted coverage schemes: Bowen has moved from more man-to-man coverage to zone coverage in key situations, allowing defensive backs to play with more vision and react to passes instead of just shadowing receivers. Cornerback Kristian Fulton, who returned from a knee injury in Week 10, has been a catalyst for this change, breaking up 3 passes and limiting opposing wide receivers to a 52tch rate when targeted. “Coming back healthy helped, but so did the scheme adjustments,” Fulton said. “Zone coverage lets me see the whole field, and it’s easier to help my teammates when they’re in trouble.” Safety Amani Hooker, who has filled in for injured backups, has also contributed, recording 2 pass breakups and 1 tackle for loss in his last three games. For the Tennessee Titans, this secondary improvement has been crucial against teams with strong passing attacks, like the Jaguars and Texans, who rely on quick, short passes to move the ball. Defensive Improvements Noted in the Tennessee Titans Games emphasizes that a reliable secondary is essential for a defense looking to compete, and the Titans have finally found their rhythm in coverage.

Finally, the Tennessee Titans’ defense has shown marked improvement in discipline—reducing penalties from 7.2 per game through Week 8 to 4.5 per game in their last four contests, a change that has prevented opponents from extending drives with free yards. Early in the season, the defense was plagued by costly penalties: defensive holding calls that extended third downs, unnecessary roughness flags that gave opponents first downs, and offsides penalties that negated stops. But in recent weeks, the team has focused on discipline in practice, with Bowen adding “penalty drills” where players run laps for every false start or holding call in team sessions. The results have been dramatic: in Week 13 against the Texans, the defense didn’t commit a single penalty, marking the first time all season they’ve gone penalty-free in a game. “Discipline is about focus,” Bowen said. “We’ve talked to the guys about playing smart, not just hard, and it’s sinking in.” This improvement has been particularly impactful in the red zone, where the Titans have limited opponents to a 45% touchdown rate over their last four games (down from 62% through Week 8). For the Tennessee Titans, fewer penalties mean fewer opportunities for opponents to score, and more chances for the defense to make stops when it matters most. Defensive Improvements Noted in the Tennessee Titans Games concludes that while the team’s overall record may not reflect it, the defense’s recent growth is a sign of progress—one that could lay the foundation for a stronger 2025 season, even if this year’s playoff hopes fade. For now, the defense has become a unit the Titans can be proud of—a group that plays with heart, discipline, and a willingness to adapt.