Titans’ Ryan Tannehill makes progress in synergy with coordinator Todd Downing – Tennessee Titans blog

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NASHVILLE (Tenn.) — Tennessee TitansThe relationship between the quarterback and his/her partner is key to their success. Ryan TannehillTodd Downing, the new offensive coordinator.

Downing inherits an offensive that averaged 396.4 yards in 2020, which was tied for second best. Tannehill is the central figure.

Tannehill saw a career rebound with Arthur Smith (Downing’s predecessor) calling plays. Tannehill’s QBR jumped more than 24 points from 2018 to 2019 with Smith calling plays, while his touchdown-to-interception ratio went from 1.6 to 4.2. Tannehill also saw an increase in yards per attempt, from 7.0 yards to 8.6 yards.

Tannehill acknowledged Smith’s willingness to listen to their calls from week-to-week. Although Downing isn’t yet required to create game-day calls that Tannehill can execute, they are making a great start.

“[Downing]Tannehill described Tannehill as a “great mind.” I think that we both think the same way about the game and get along well. He is good at creating drives and plays that are relevant to what we’re trying to do throughout the day.

Downing said, “It’s more than a new start.” “We’re not getting to get to know each other personality wise. It’s been a pleasure to be around each other. This is a great part of my job. Talking with the quarterbacks about the system, making sure everyone is on the same page. He sees the game the way I do. It’s the most important thing. It’s possible to see things the same way if everyone has the same view. It’s been a great experience and Ryan is a wonderful person. We’re moving in the right direction, I believe.”

Downing was the tight ends coach. This gave Downing a close-up view of Smith and Tannehill as they worked week in week to implement game plans. Although Smith and Downing have distinct character characteristics, Downing can draw from Smith’s experience working with Tannehill to carry the offense’s success.

Downing explained that Arthur and he worked in tandem on several things. He was a great friend and included me in many of his activities. It was amazing to observe his brain and see the way he persevered and kept things in perspective.

Here is the list of quarterbacks Downing will have worked with Matthew StaffordE.J. Manuel, Kyle Orton Derek Carr. Downing spent one season in Oakland as an offensive coordinator. This was before Jon Gruden became coach.

Even though the Raiders averaged 18.8 points per match that season, Carr still felt a close bond to Downing.

“We’ve had discussions where we finish each other’s sentences,” Carr said of Downing back in 2017. “Like, ‘Hey, if you see this, I am going to go to this.’ He’s like, ‘Exactly.’”

Downing is aware that every quarterback is unique. He works hard to make sure he’s as relatable as possible to each one and has a servant’s heart. His goal is to make each of his teammates successful in the best possible way.

Downing says he learned how to build relationships with his quarterbacks from Scott Linehan, who he was with when they were together. Minnesota Vikings Detroit Lions. Linehan played a crucial role in Daunte Cullpepper’s climb to All-Pro status as a Vikings quarterback. His role was also instrumental in transforming Stafford’s first-round selection into a 5,000-yard passer.

Matthew: “That was extremely beneficial to me. Just watching the growth. [Stafford]Scott’s story and his method [Linehan]”I handled it, got input from the quarterback,” Downing stated.

Downing was able to meet former Vikings coordinators John DeFilippo, Kevin Stefanski and coach Mike Zimmer while he focused on defense.

DeFilippo was a poor coach and the Vikings had trouble running the ball effectively. Stefanski replaced him. Cleveland Browns. Downing witnessed firsthand the importance of a strong rushing attack for defensive-minded coaches.

In the last season’s 168.1 rush yards per game, the Titans averaged 16.8. Derrick HenryHe finished the season with 2,025 yards and is now back-to-back champion in rushing. Downing insists that he will keep the Titans’ focus on running the ball.

Downing claimed, “It’s definitely an easier job having Derrick Henry there.” It’s not a secret that this is a major part of the offense.

Tannehill is able to make huge plays when defenses are focused on Henry. Tannehill’s yardage per attempt increased from 7.1 to 9.6 last season when play-action was used.

The Titans desired continuity in offense. They will achieve that by moving from the inside. Downing, however, will be able to make his own contributions to the offense.

Mike Vrabel, coach, said, “I’ve enjoyed his way of thinking about our offense, our concepts, creating matchups that we like.” His time spent in the QBroom with quarterbacks has been a great experience. He has been a coordinator before and has some new thoughts that we hadn’t done in the past, so we are trying to work those things in. They are some I like so we will have fun.


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