Titans' Offensive Line: Ward Welcomes Increased Reps Amidst Preseason Struggles

David

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Post on Aug 17, 2025

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Titans' Offensive Line: Ward Welcomes Increased Reps Amidst Preseason Struggles

The Tennessee Titans' offensive line has been a focal point of discussion this preseason, and not for the reasons head coach Mike Vrabel would prefer. Struggles in pass protection and inconsistencies in the run game have left many questioning the unit's readiness for the regular season. However, a silver lining might be emerging for the team, as rookie offensive lineman Jaelyn Wyatt is seeing increased reps, and veteran Taylor Lewan seems to be adjusting well to his new role.

While the preseason performances haven't exactly been stellar, the increased playing time for younger players like Wyatt presents a valuable opportunity for development. The struggles, while concerning, provide a crucial testing ground to identify weaknesses and refine strategies before the regular season commences.

<h3>Increased Reps for Wyatt: A Sign of Things to Come?</h3>

Jaelyn Wyatt, a first-round draft pick, has been given significantly more playing time in recent preseason games. This suggests the coaching staff sees potential in his abilities and is keen to integrate him into the starting lineup sooner rather than later. His increased reps provide valuable experience and allow him to adapt to the speed and physicality of the NFL. While he's shown flashes of brilliance, consistency remains a key area for improvement. This increase in playing time shows the Titans' commitment to developing their young talent.

<h3>Lewan's Veteran Presence: A Crucial Factor</h3>

The return of veteran left tackle Taylor Lewan after his injury-riddled 2022 season is a significant boost. While not playing every snap, his experience and leadership are invaluable to the offensive line's development. His mentorship of younger players like Wyatt is crucial for their growth and the overall cohesion of the unit. The Titans are clearly relying on Lewan's guidance to help solidify the offensive line's performance.

<h3>Addressing the Preseason Struggles: What's the Plan?</h3>

The Titans' offensive line's struggles haven't gone unnoticed. Concerns exist about their ability to protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill and create running lanes for Derrick Henry. The coaching staff is likely focusing on several key areas for improvement, including:

• Improved communication: Effective communication is paramount on the offensive line. Mistakes often stem from breakdowns in communication between linemen.
• Enhanced technique: Refining individual techniques, particularly in pass protection, will be crucial for success.
• Increased cohesion: Building better cohesion and synergy between the linemen is vital for creating a solid unit.

The Titans’ preseason struggles are a cause for concern, but not necessarily panic. The increased playing time for Wyatt and the veteran presence of Lewan offer a glimmer of hope. The focus now is on using the remaining time before the regular season opener to address the identified weaknesses and build a more consistent and effective offensive line. The upcoming weeks will be critical in determining whether the Titans have successfully addressed these concerns.

<h3>Looking Ahead: Can the Titans' O-Line Turn Things Around?</h3>

The success of the Tennessee Titans in the upcoming season will heavily rely on the performance of their offensive line. While the preseason struggles have raised eyebrows, the team's approach to addressing these issues – focusing on increased reps for younger players and utilizing the experience of veterans – suggests a proactive strategy. Only time will tell whether this approach will be enough to transform their offensive line into a reliable and effective unit. The regular season will be the ultimate test. Follow along for updates and further analysis as the season unfolds.