Tennessee Titans Defense Can Join NFL’s Elite After Jadeveon Clowney Signing

Tennessee Titans Defense Can Join NFL’s Elite After Jadeveon Clowney Signing

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – 12: Jadeveon Clowney #90 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up before the january . [+] NFC Divisional Round Playoff game up against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 12, 2020 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Picture by Dylan Buell/Getty Pictures)

The Jadeveon Clowney free agency saga is finally at a finish following the three-time professional Bowl protective end finalized a one-year cope with the Tennessee Titans.

Despite a concerted late push from the newest Orleans Saints, Clowney consented to terms for a deal that is well worth up to $15million, in accordance with NFL system’s Ian Rapoport.

There was some debate as to whether Clowney is at the very top pass rusher but there could be little question this will be a signing that will have a skilled Titans protection into the level that is next.

Tennessee’s protection ended up being center of the pack just last year. The Titans ranked eighteenth in the defense in Football Outsiders’ DVOA, making use of their pass protection 22nd and run protection 11th.

Clowney is at the very top run defender who are able to raise the Titans’ ability to turn off opposing ground games. In accordance with Pro Football Focus, their 65 tackles for loss or no gain since going into the league whilst the very first overall choose for the Houston Texans in 2014 are fourth-most when you look at the NFL for the reason that schedule.

His sack numbers – 32 in six years into the league – can be disappointing, however they are perhaps not reflective regarding the interruption he has got produced when healthier.

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That figure tying him with Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Carlos Dunlap and Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt for 19th in the NFL in that span per PFF, Clowney has 171 pressures over the last three seasons.

Remaining healthy was the issue that is primary Clowney, who’s only as soon as finished a complete 16-game period within the advantages, which came ultimately back in 2017 for the Texans.

Yet if the Titans could keep him from the industry, they’ve a menacing front side with which to stress quarterbacks. Edge rusher Harold Landry had nine sacks season that is last could significantly take advantage of Clowney’s presence while protective lineman Jeffery Simmons – drafted in the 1st round just last year – is anticipated by many people to really make the jump after showing encouraging indications as being a troublesome force regarding the inside as a rookie.

The Titans may also be endowed with significant talent when you look at the additional. Kevin Byard is an All-Pro at free safety since there is depth that is great cornerback with Malcolm Butler, Adoree Jackson and veteran Jonathan Joseph joined by intriguing second-round rookie Kristian Fulton.

Tennessee rated ninth when you look at the league in turnovers per drive final period, per soccer Outsiders. Regardless of the power when you look at the additional, some may expect the group’s performance for the reason that certain area to regress to the mean.

Nevertheless, Clowney’s penchant for creating turnovers – he had four forced fumbles plus an interception in 2019 – could start to see the Titans carry on to rack up payday loans Tennessee takeaways at a rate that is high in 2020.

More most likely prospects for regression are quarterback Ryan Tannehill and operating straight right back Derrick Henry.

Their 2019 feats will likely be very difficult to reproduce, with Tannehill having led the league in yards per pass effort (9.6) on the way to return Player of the season honors and Henry winning the rushing name on a league-high 303 carries.

There is certainly, therefore, onus regarding the protection to boost and get in on the ranks regarding the league’s elite to pay for just about any drop-off from the side that is offensive. Clowney might not have produced towards the extent many expected when he arrived to the league but incorporating an all-round skill of their caliber to an unit that is well-rounded raise the Titans defense to your degree necessary to keep Tennessee firmly in contention within the AFC.