Statistical Breakdown of Tennessee Titans Defense

In the NFL, a team’s defensive performance is often defined by numbers—from yards allowed to takeaways—and for the Tennessee Titans, the 2024 season provided a mixed bag of statistical results that reveal both strengths and areas for improvement. After finishing 9-8 and narrowly missing the playoffs, the Titans’ defense ranked 16th in total yards allowed per game (338.2), a middle-of-the-pack finish that masks inconsistencies across different phases of the game. While they excelled at stopping the run and forcing turnovers, they struggled to contain opposing passing attacks and generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks. This statistical breakdown dives into the key metrics that shaped the Titans’ defense last season, highlighting which areas kept them competitive and which will need attention in 2025. For fans, analysts, and opponents alike, Statistical Breakdown of Tennessee Titans Defense is more than a collection of numbers—it’s a roadmap to understanding how this unit operates and where it can grow.

Statistical Breakdown of Tennessee Titans Defense begins with the team’s biggest defensive strength: run defense. The Titans ranked 7th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (98.6) and 5th in rushing yards allowed per carry (3.8), a testament to their physical front seven and disciplined gap control. Much of this success can be attributed to defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who recorded 6.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 18 quarterback hits while clogging running lanes in the middle. The Titans also got strong contributions from linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair and Monty Rice, who combined for 215 tackles and 8 tackles for loss, often filling gaps and wrapping up running backs before they could gain momentum. What’s most impressive about these numbers is their consistency: the Titans allowed more than 120 rushing yards in just four games all season, and they held elite running backs like Derrick Henry (when he played for the Texans) to under 80 yards in their head-to-head matchup. However, this run-stopping success came with a trade-off—opposing teams often abandoned the run early and focused on passing, forcing the Titans’ secondary to face more dropbacks than most defenses.

A closer look at the Titans’ passing defense reveals their most significant statistical weakness. Last season, the Titans ranked 24th in passing yards allowed per game (239.6) and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (28), struggling to contain both deep passes and short-yardage quick strikes. Part of the issue was a lack of consistent pass rush: the Titans recorded just 32 sacks all season (25th in the NFL), with only two players—Simmons and edge rusher Harold Landry III (9 sacks)—recording more than 4 sacks. Without sustained pressure, opposing quarterbacks had time to scan the field, leading to a 66.2% completion rate against the Titans (22nd in the league). The secondary also struggled with injuries, as cornerbacks Kristian Fulton and Caleb Farley missed a combined 12 games, forcing the Titans to rely on inexperienced backups who allowed a 71% completion rate when targeted. Even when healthy, the Titans’ cornerbacks struggled to defend deep passes, giving up 18 completions of 25+ yards—tied for the 10th-most in the NFL. These numbers highlight a clear need for improvement: the Titans must either boost their pass rush or upgrade their secondary (or both) to compete with the AFC South’s high-powered passing attacks, like the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense led by Trevor Lawrence.

A critical factor in Statistical Breakdown of Tennessee Titans Defense is the team’s performance in key situational downs—third and fourth down—which often determines the outcome of close games. The Titans ranked 14th in third-down defense, allowing opponents to convert 40.1% of their third-down attempts, but their performance varied widely based on the down and distance. They were excellent on short-yardage third downs (3rd-and-1 or 3rd-and-2), allowing just a 38% conversion rate, thanks to their run-stopping strength. However, they struggled on longer third downs (3rd-and-7+), allowing a 52% conversion rate—one of the worst in the league—due to their inability to generate pass rush or cover deep routes. On fourth down, the Titans were more consistent, ranking 11th in fourth-down defense (44.4% conversion rate allowed), often using aggressive blitzes to force turnovers or incomplete passes. For the Tennessee Titans, improving their long-yardage passing defense on third down will be crucial in 2025; if they can force more punts in those situations, they’ll give their offense more opportunities to score and reduce the pressure on their own defense.

Another key statistical area in Statistical Breakdown of Tennessee Titans Defense is takeaways, which have long been a hallmark of successful Titans defenses. Last season, the Titans recorded 26 takeaways (10th in the NFL), including 17 interceptions and 9 fumble recoveries, a metric that kept them in multiple games they otherwise might have lost. Safety Kevin Byard was the leader here, recording 5 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries, while cornerback Roger McCreary added 3 interceptions. What’s notable about these takeaways is their timing: 12 of them came in the fourth quarter, including a game-sealing interception by Byard in a 20-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts. However, the Titans also struggled with turnover differential, as their offense committed 24 giveaways, leading to a +2 overall differential—good but not great. For the Tennessee Titans, maintaining their takeaway production while reducing their own giveaways will be key to improving their win total in 2025; takeaways often swing momentum, and a few more could mean the difference between missing the playoffs and winning a division title.

As the Titans look ahead to 2025, Statistical Breakdown of Tennessee Titans Defense provides a clear blueprint for improvement. The team’s run defense is already a strength, but they need to address their passing defense and pass rush to become a top-tier unit. Free agency and the draft will be critical here—signing a veteran edge rusher or cornerback could immediately boost their pass-rushing and coverage numbers. The Titans also need to improve their consistency on long third downs and reduce the number of deep passes they allow. If they can do these things, their total defense ranking could jump from 16th to the top 10, making them a legitimate threat in the AFC South. For the Tennessee Titans, the numbers don’t lie: their defense has the foundation to be great, but it needs targeted upgrades to reach its full potential. In the end, this statistical breakdown isn’t just about looking back—it’s about looking forward, and how the Titans can use these numbers to build a defense that can carry them to the playoffs and beyond.