As the Tennessee Titans turn the page on their run-heavy past and try to put a more modern offensive scheme on the field in 2024, there are some changes coming for their running backs.
Most importantly, the running backs will now be expected to learn the entire route tree and run actual pass routes beyond just leaking out of the backfield to be a check down option for quarterback Will Levis or taking the occasional screen pass.
Don’t be surprised to occasionally see running backs Tyjae Spears and Tony Pollard down the field on a wheel route or some other route in Brian Callahan’s offensive system or put up solid receiving numbers that Titans running backs haven’t often put up in the past.
But there is another part of the running backs’ game that is much more thankless, but perhaps much more important than the average football fan would appreciate: pass protection.
Callahan says he believes in both Spears and Pollard as guys who willingly pick up blitzers and ward off much bigger linebackers or safeties in the name of keeping Levis upright and clean in the pocket.
Callahan and his father, Bill, the offensive line coach, have often said pass protection is much more than an offensive line job, adding tight ends and running backs must help. The quarterbacks must read the defense correctly and be able to move in the pocket or roll out when necessary to avoid pressure. And the receivers in the pass route have to create separation quickly enough that the quarterback doesn’t hold the ball for long.
Running backs play a vital role in that group effort, whether it is staying in to be an extra blocker, slowing down an edge rusher or providing a safety valve for Levis to check down.
Callahan says he has two of the better pass protecting running backs in Spears and Pollard, and doesn’t hesitate to brag on the duo for their work there in that unsung capacity.
“Those guys are fantastic. They’re two of the best protecting backs I’ve ever had,” Callahan says. “Tony had a blitz pickup (recently in practice) on a third down that was phenomenal. Those guys are fantastic. They know what to do.
“They know where to go with their eyes. And then, the physical part of it, they can match that, as well. So having two backs that can do that is – I’ve never had two that are that good equally in pass pro, and they’re both excellent pass protectors.”
Levis digs the help
You can be certain that the willingness of Spears and Pollard to stand in and protect when needed is much appreciated by Levis, who says it shows their dedication and buy-in to the team.
“It’s awesome to see. It fires everyone up in the team room when that tape goes and everyone knows who the back has got, and he scans across for his guy and just pick somebody,” Levis says. “They’re not the biggest guys in the world, but they’re strong and they’re aggressive. They’re explosive and they’re able to get up under those guys and make them feel it. It’s awesome to see.”
Spears says it is really all part of the job, even if it is a part that backs don’t often get enough credit for.
“We just take pride in it. When Will drops back, he can’t protect himself, so somebody’s got to step in the gap and do it for him,” Spears says. “We take pride in it, and you look at everybody on the whole team, especially the offense, we’re like brothers. I got your back when you ain’t able to come through. I’m not gonna let anybody hit you. In order to get to the quarterback, you’re gonna have to run through me.”
Spears says that keeping the quarterback upright and healthy is job one, no matter who comes in trying to pressure him.
“It gets hard at times, but it’s all about heart. You’ve just got to step up and deliver a blow, and sometimes they may get the best of you. But at the end of the day, I’m protecting Will and doing whatever it takes to protect him,” he explains.
And when the backs do their job, Levis greatly appreciates that part of their game.
“It gets me even more fired up than them ripping a big run,” he says. “It’s them with their sacrifices and contributions for the great good of the team, and that’s what it’s all about.”