Tennessee Titans look to have top defense in the NFL, says Kevin Byard

Kevin Byard has a lofty purpose for the Tennessee Titans’ protection in 2022.

“Making an attempt to be the highest protection within the NFL,” the All-Professional security mentioned Monday, the primary day of the workforce’s voluntary offseason program.

After lackluster numbers speeding the passer and on third down in 2020, the Titans’ protection by the tip of final season turned a dominant unit. It began with the entrance 4, which wreaked havoc in run and move sport. The Titans had three gamers with at the least eight sacks – Harold Landry (12), Denico Autry (9) and Jeffery Simmons (8.5) – they usually ranked second defending the run (84.6 speeding yards/sport).

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Tennessee additionally ranked twelfth in yards allowed and protection DVOA (Protection-adjusted Worth Over Common), an effectivity metric.

“Coming off of 2020, the purpose was to attempt to discover an id, discover out who we’re as a workforce,” Byard mentioned. “And I feel as (2021) went alongside, we began enjoying higher and higher and higher and we bought dominant towards the tip of the yr. So I feel it’s all about taking that from final yr and carrying it onto this yr and attempt to be the highest protection within the NFL.”

The Titans will profit from continuity on the defensive aspect. With Landry re-signed, Tennessee could have 10 starters returning on protection (the exception is cornerback Jackrabbit Jenkins, who was launched as a cap casualty in March). Coordinator Shane Bowen and most of his assistants additionally stay in place.

Probably the most important change is at inside linebacker, the place former Texans assistant Bobby King replaces Jim Haslett because the place coach.

“We now have a variety of items again,” linebacker David Lengthy Jr mentioned. “It’s not likely going to be an excessive amount of we bought to get personally caught up on. The entrance seven is identical. (Caleb) Farley is getting back from harm. We’ve bought some good items.

“I feel we simply need to continue to grow collectively.”

Ben Arthur covers the Tennessee Titans for The USA TODAY Community. Contact him at barthur@gannett.com and comply with him on Twitter at @benyarthur.