Scouts Inc.: How to attack the Titans' D

Posted by Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson

The Tennessee Titans remain undefeated through Week 10, and for that they can thank a defense that has often appeared invincible. But even last year's mighty New England Patriots offense eventually proved to be something less than perfect, and Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's bunch is no different. After reviewing the film, a few chinks could be found in the Titans' armor, too. Here's how to take advantage: • Run at Jevon Kearse. He has enjoyed something of a rebirth in Tennessee and still can be a disruptive upfield defender, but Kearse isn't very stout at the point of attack -- especially at the left defensive end spot. Most teams are right-handed in the running game, and most of the league's right tackles are maulers who have a distinct advantage coming off the ball against Kearse, who can be engulfed. Kearse also tends to get too far upfield in search of sacks, frequently exposing the "B" gap to opposing runners.

• Exploit Tennessee's position switches. The Titans periodically flip right defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth on the line. It's a changeup that can be difficult for blockers to adjust to. Offensive tackles accustomed to dealing with speed suddenly have to brace for Haynesworth's power, and slow-footed guards have trouble handling Vanden Bosch's quickness. But an offense can use this against the Titans. Haynesworth is such a monster that he completely collapses the entire left side of a formation, creating an open area in which a ball carrier can outrun Haynesworth to the perimeter on a misdirection run, especially an end-around or reverse. Running directly at Vanden Bosch inside also makes sense. A quick-hitting interior run gives the guards (and the offense in general) the advantage in those situations. Titans opponents should have a few automatic calls for those occasions when Vanden Bosch and Haynesworth swap spots.

• Bait Cortland Finnegan. A ball-hawking cover corner and one of the NFL's rising stars, Finnegan has few flaws. But here's one of them: He can be too aggressive. The Titans often trust Finnegan in man coverage against the opponent's best receiver. If it's apparent that he won't get safety help over the top, it's worth taking a shot at him with a double-move. But proceed with caution. Tennessee gets an excellent upfield push with its front four, so Schwartz rarely is forced to play his corners on an island.

• Break out of a stacked box. The Titans like to send strong safety Chris Hope into the box and use free safety Michael Griffin in single-high looks. And not only will the Titans play eight in the box, they'll often crowd the line of scrimmage and risk weakening their back-end support. If a back can get through a crack on the line or the quarterback can hit a wideout in stride on a quick slant against man coverage, an opponent has an excellent big-play opportunity.

So why haven't more Tennessee opponents spotted and exploited these weaknesses? Because no matter how sound a game plan might be, players still have to execute it. And there's something you have to remember about these Titans: They're really good.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.



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