Tennessee lacks true running attack

By Marc Hudgens  |   Tuesday, December 11, 2007  |  Comments( 0 )

Tennessee Titans
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It was before their win over Houston back in October that Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher expressed the need to have more balance in his offense. It indeed became more balanced, as Tennessee had 39 running plays (155 yards) and 42 passing plays (267 yards) when it beat the Texans.

When Tennessee hosted Houston several weeks later, the balance was there again. The Titans had 29 runs (153 yards) and 31 passes (229 yards), and the outcome was a very solid showing by the offense, which scored a season-high four touchdowns. Therefore, the balance appeared to be working.

This past Sunday against San Diego, though, the balance tilted in favor of the running game; in its 20-17 loss to the Chargers, the Titans had 37 rushes against 24 throws.

Sure, Vince Young -- 109 yards, two interceptions -- was terrible, but the running game, which Fisher and offensive coordinator Norm Chow insist on leaning toward, didn't exactly make up the difference.

The Titans ran more, thinking it would carry the hapless Young to a win. And it did contribute, considering running backs LenDale White and Chris Brown each scored. But if you're bent on a running game and your passing game is below average, you've got to realize that averaging only 3.5 yards a carry isn't going to do the trick.

In overtime last week, White pointlessly ran twice for poor yardage in the Titans' now-infamous three-and-out; the team simply isn't winning games by running between the tackles. For the season, White is only averaging 3.6 yards per carry, so he's not overly effective.

If Tennessee really wants a running game, it has to land a back with breakaway speed and quickness during the offseason. White cannot bull his way to the huge chunks of yardage needed to make for a truly solid running game. The Titans need a LaDainian Tomlinson of their own, a back who gets at least 4.0 yards per attempt, perhaps even more.

Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth said it best after the game.

"They've got a (number) 21 and we don't," he told the Tennessean.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He ...
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