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 Photos)

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

Despite a concerted late push from the brand new Orleans Saints, Clowney decided to terms for a deal this is certainly well worth as much as $15million, in accordance with NFL system’s Ian Rapoport.

There is certainly some debate as to whether Clowney is at the very top pass rusher but there may be small question this might be a signing that may have a skilled Titans protection towards the next degree.

Tennessee’s protection had been center of the pack a year ago. The Titans ranked eighteenth regarding the protection in Football Outsiders’ DVOA, using their pass protection 22nd and run protection 11th.

Clowney is at the very top run defender who is able to raise the Titans’ ability to power down opposing ground games. Based on Pro Football Focus, their 65 tackles for loss or no gain since are simple installment loans in Minnesota going into the league whilst the very very first general choose associated with the Houston Texans in 2014 are fourth-most when you look at the NFL for the reason that schedule.

Their sack figures – 32 in six years into the league – could be disappointing, however they are perhaps perhaps not reflective of this disruption he’s got developed whenever healthier.

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Per PFF, Clowney has 171 pressures during the last three seasons, that figure tying him with Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Carlos Dunlap and Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt for nineteenth into the NFL for the reason that span.

Remaining healthy was the issue that is primary Clowney, who’s got only as soon as finished the full 16-game period when you look at the benefits, which came ultimately back in 2017 for the Texans.

Yet if the Titans could keep him in the field, they’ve a front that is menacing which to stress quarterbacks. Edge rusher Harold Landry had nine sacks final period and could significantly take advantage of Clowney’s existence while protective lineman Jeffery Simmons – drafted in the 1st round this past year – is anticipated by numerous to help make the jump after showing encouraging indications as a troublesome force from the inside being a rookie.

The Titans may also be endowed with significant skill into the additional. Kevin Byard is an All-Pro at free security because there is great level at cornerback with Malcolm Butler, Adoree Jackson and veteran Jonathan Joseph joined up with by intriguing second-round rookie Kristian Fulton.

Tennessee rated ninth within the league in turnovers per drive season that is last per soccer Outsiders. Regardless of the energy when you look at the secondary, some may expect the group’s performance for the reason that certain area to regress towards the mean.

Nevertheless, Clowney’s penchant for producing turnovers – he had four forced fumbles plus an interception in 2019 – could look at Titans carry on to rack up takeaways at a higher rate once more in 2020.

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

Their 2019 feats will undoubtedly be very difficult to replicate, 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 title that is rushing a league-high 303 carries.

There clearly was, therefore, onus regarding the protection to enhance 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 into the extent many anticipated when he arrived to the league but incorporating an all-round skill of their caliber to an unit that is well-rounded elevate the Titans defense to the degree necessary to keep Tennessee firmly in contention into the AFC.