Tag: Todd Downing

Titans happy with Malik Willis’ growth ahead of Week 16

Todd Downing believes the Titans can open up the playbook a little more thanks to Malik Willis’ growth.

The Tennessee Titans are all but certain to turn to rookie quarterback Malik Willis in Week 16 against the Houston Texans after starter Ryan Tannehill reportedly suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 15.

This won’t be Malik Willis’ first rodeo, though, as the Liberty product made a pair of starts earlier in the season when Tannehill was forced to miss two games.

We did see some flashes from Willis in those starts, but it was clear overall he still needed a lot of work. Going into the third start of his career, the Titans are praising Willis for the growth he has shown.

Head coach Mike Vrabel said the rookie looked more comfortable in the lone series he played on Sunday, and on Wednesday offensive coordinator Todd Downing explained why Willis looked more comfortable.

“Not only in his confidence and his command of the huddle,” Downing said “But also just how he diagnoses defenses, and our conversations — the conversations I’ve had with him the last couple of days are different than they were six-to-eight weeks ago — so I’ve been very pleased with how hard he’s worked and the progress he’s made this year,”

“I think he got in and out of the huddle well, I think he got through his progressions well,” Downing added. “That drive, like many of our drives on Sunday, derailed with a penalty that got us into a behind-the-sticks situation. And that’s going to be hard for anybody, particularly somebody who was kind of thrown in the spur of the moment.”

Thanks to the progression the Titans have seen from Willis, Downing also said it allows the team to open up the playbook more.

“You could tell the way he commanded the huddle was a lot different than when he did back against the Texans and Chiefs,” rookie tight end Chig Okonkwo said of Willis from his first starts to his latest outing in Week 15. “It seems like he felt a lot more comfortable, and a lot more confident, as well. He’s obviously a lot smarter — the things he’s learned, and he’s got more of a feel for the game.”

While Willis will no doubt be up against it with a bad offensive line and wide receiver corps., one thing he has going for him is familiarity, as one of his two starts this season came against the Houston Texans.

“I think that is fair,” Vrabel said of the idea that familiarity with the Texans can help Willis. “Not only that but just the comfort level of having been out there [previously].”

“That was in the past,” Willis said of his previous start against Houston. “It’s about going out there and trying to prepare for this week. [The Texans] have been playing some hard games against these last few teams they’ve been playing. We just have to expect that.”

While the injury to Tannehill is extremely unfortunate, it does give the Titans an opportunity to get an early, extended look at the man who could be the future of the franchise in a season the Titans were going nowhere anyway.

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Biggest takeaways from Titans’ Week 15 loss to Chargers

The biggest takeaways from the Titans’ Week 15 loss.

The Tennessee Titans’ Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Chargers went the same way most contests have gone for head coach Mike Vrabel’s squad this season.

Despite giving up the game-winning field goal late, the defense held up its own end of the bargain, especially considering how banged-up the unit was coming into this game.

However, the offense couldn’t make that impressive effort stand thanks to a lackluster showing that led to just 14 points in what has become commonplace for a lost Titans team.

We’ll dive more into that here in a minute, but there were a few other big takeaways from the Week 15 loss and, surprise, surprise, neither of them are good, either.

Titans must use same logic with Todd Downing as they did with Jon Robinson

Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk didn’t want to delay the inevitable when it came to Jon Robinson, and she should use that same logic with Todd Downing, Shaun Calderon writes.

Last week, Tennessee Titans owner Amy Adams Strunk caught everyone off guard when she fired general manager Jon Robinson in the middle of the season.

The firing came after three questionable offseasons in a row that ultimately culminated in the owner being forced to watch a former fan-favorite go bonkers against the team that drafted him.

Adams Strunk indicated that the reason for this firing was that she had made up her mind regarding which way she was going to go with the general manager position moving forward.

Rather than just sitting on the decision and delaying the inevitable, which she said wasn’t fair for all parties involved, she decided to pull the band-aid off sooner rather than later.

That is a completely fair and logical explanation as to why she made the move when she did.

However, using her logic, the same should be done when it comes to the offensive coordinator position.

You’d have to imagine that the eventual move to make this offseason would be to fire offensive coordinator Todd Downing. It has become very evident that this Downing experiment has not only run its course, but has far overstayed its welcome at this point.

There’s also a relatively strong chance that the team will at least consider former Houston Texans offensive coordinator and current Titans passing-game coordinator Tim Kelly for the job.

Therefore, why not let him get a head start and at least see what he can do beforehand instead of possibly giving him the job blindly?

That way, if it doesn’t go well, at least Adams Strunk can quickly cross one candidate off the list and won’t have to second guess herself about going with an external candidate if Tennessee were to pass on Kelly.

Even if it’s not Kelly, if there’s anyone on staff that the Titans are genuinely intrigued by, they should be allowed the opportunity to see what they can do over whatever’s left of the 2022 season.

Of course, the big roadblock here is Mike Vrabel, who may not be on board with such a move. If that’s the case, he and Adams Strunk need to have a long, hard conversation.

Tennessee’s lifeless passing attack and deteriorating ground game need a shot in the arm in the worst possible way. At this point, the only way to do that is to make a change, which would show that the owner is consistent with her logic of not waiting around to do the inevitable.

There’s no telling if this will even fix anything, but it’s become crystal clear that sitting around and hoping for improvement isn’t doing the trick, either.

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Titans might give Dillon Radunz another look at tackle

Titans OC Todd Downing suggested the team could give Dillon Radunz another look at left tackle, but it sounds like Le’Raven Clark will get the first crack at it if the team makes a change.

The Tennessee Titans have a slew of issues on the offensive side of the ball, but one of the bigger issues is at left tackle, where Dennis Daley has struggled mightily.

Daley allowed three sacks and four pressures in total in Week 13, and his sack percentage allowed (2.8) is the highest of any offensive tackle going back to 2014 (minimum 300 snaps).

Earlier this week, head coach Mike Vrabel revealed that veteran tackle Le’Raven Clark would get a chance to compete for the job, suggesting Daley’s days as the left tackle might be numbered.

On Thursday, offensive coordinator Todd Downing spoke about Clark getting a chance to compete, but also said the team might give 2021 second-round pick, Dillon Radunz, another look at tackle.

One of the more perplexing things about the Titans’ left tackle situation is the team’s reluctance to at least give Radunz a look there. After all, the Titans did draft him to play tackle, and he couldn’t be worse than Daley.

The North Dakota State product saw one start at left tackle in 2021 and was decent overall. The most impressive part was that he helped limit San Francisco 49ers star pass-rusher Joey Bosa to zero sacks.

Radunz failed to secure the right tackle job out of training camp in 2022, and since then he has only gotten playing time at guard despite the issues at tackle.

Downing’s comments suggest that the idea of Radunz at tackle isn’t dead yet, but it would appear that Clark will get the first crack at it if the team indeed makes a change.

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Titans’ Todd Downing breaks silence on DUI arrest

For the first time since his DUI arrest, Titans OC Todd Downing addressed the situation on Wednesday.

For the first time since being arrested for DUI in the morning hours after the Tennessee Titans’ Week 11 win over the Green Bay Packers, offensive coordinator Todd Downing broke his silence on the subject on Wednesday.

Downing started off his weekly presser by addressing the situation in a long statement, but noted he couldn’t go into the specifics of the evening in question because of the pending legal process that has to play out.

His statement was as follows (a video clip of his comments can be found below):

“First of all, I’d like to acknowledge how serious this situation is,” Downing said. “I understand what a sensitive and troubling subject this is and I’m not naive to how much pain there may be for some people involved in similar situations.

“I put my family through some things that they don’t deserve,” he continued. “I have an amazing wife and an amazing son who love me unconditionally and I don’t want them to have to endure anything more than what I’ve brought on. It’s devastating that my actions or anything that I’m involved with could ever bring negative attention to, or bring distractions to this organization, to the ownership, Mrs. Amy [Adams Strunk], and to the front office and obviously coach Vrabel.

“I believe in myself as a man and I believe that I will answer the bell to lead this offense going forward. I thank coach Vrabel and Jon Robinson and Mrs. Amy for allowing me the opportunity to lead this offense going into this weekend. And these guys in the locker room, they deserve for me to put my best efforts forth in that.

“Because of the nature of the situation, I know there are a lot of questions, I know people are looking for details and answers. Unfortunately, because of the situation, I’m not able to discuss quite a bit of that evening. At the proper time, when appropriate, I will answer any questions that I can.”

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has stated that Downing will remain as the team’s offensive coordinator, but that will also depend upon what the legal process and NFL investigation yields.

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Mike Vrabel: Todd Downing will remain Titans OC pending legal process, NFL decision

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talked about the future of his offensive coordinator on Tuesday.

Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing got himself in big trouble this past week when he was arrested for DUI and speeding after Tennessee’s Week 11 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

Since then, fans and media alike have wondered if Downing’s awful decision, which could result in discipline from the league, would cost him his job with the Titans.

On Tuesday, head coach Mike Vrabel made it clear that the Titans will move forward with Downing as the offensive coordinator, but he also noted things could change depending on how the legal process plays out, and what the league’s decision looks like.

Vrabel had this to say about Downing’s arrest last Friday:

“We all have a great responsibility as members of this community,” Vrabel said. “It’s something we are going to take very seriously, gather all the information we can and do our best to move forward. I don’t think discouraged is the word to describe it.”

Chances are if Downing is disciplined, it won’t happen until after this season, as the legal process always takes time to play out and the league doesn’t typically make disciplinary decisions beforehand.

So that means Downing is likely safe the rest of this season, barring even more damaging details about his arrest coming out. As far as next year is concerned, all bets are off.

Downing has yet to publicly say anything about his arrest, but the offensive coordinator should be doing his weekly presser in the next day or two. We’ll certainly cover that when it happens, so stay tuned.

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4 Titans coaches listed among potential future head coach candidates

Four Titans coaches were listed as potential head coach candidates down the road.

Out with the old, in with the new; such is the life of a coach in the National Football League.

The day after the last regular season game is known as “Black Monday,” or when many NFL head coaches are given their walking papers.

While it’s unfortunate for anyone to lose their job, it’s a performance-based business. However, that also opens the door for other NFL coaches to step into a new role.

NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero recently put together his annual list of the young coaches to watch for future head-coaching vacancies based on conversations he’s had with NFL executives, coaches, and others around the league.

And the Tennessee Titans are well-represented, with four members of their coaching staff making the cut.

While he may not be well-liked among Titans fans, offensive coordinator Todd Downing is the first listed, and the only one from Tennessee who Pelissero lists among potential candidates for the 2023 hiring cycle.

Of course, his recent run-in with the law presents a challenge, not only with his current team but any future prospective teams that would undoubtedly have concerns about the possibility of a repeat offense.

Here’s what Pelissero had to say about Downing:

Now in his 18th season as an NFL assistant, Downing is known as a grinder with the right demeanor for the job, and he has shown he can be successful in different ways. Yes, the Titans’ offense currently ranks 26th in points and 32nd in yards. But as coach Mike Vrabel said after one recent win, “That is going to have to be how we play. It is a battle.”

Only 35 years of age, Bowen is in his fifth year with the Titans organization. After a rough 2020 season, the Titans’ defense has been borderline elite over the last two seasons. Anchored by playmakers in Kevin Byard, Jeffery Simmons, and Harold Landry (before the ACL injury), the Titans also have several promising young players in Kristian Fulton, Roger McCreary, and Amani Hooker roaming in the secondary.

Part of Bowen’s staff, Ryan Crow is also in his fifth year with the organization and his second year as the outside linebackers coach. Rising through the collegiate ranks, he’s helped develop Harold Landry and Ola Adeniyi into superstars while rejuvenating Denico Autry’s career. He also has a hand in Rashad Weaver’s development, who looks to be on the cusp of being something special.

Kelly is the latest former Houston Texans coaching staff to head for Nashville under Mike Vrabel. He’s in his first year with the Titans and ninth overall in the NFL. The 36-year-old had a huge hand in a Texans’ passing attack that finished with the second-most yards in 2020. Kelly will look to do the same in his time with Nashville for Ryan Tannehill and, eventually, Malik Willis.

To be quite frank, it’s surprising Downing was listed here at all after the poor job he has done overall since 2021. Also surprising is that Bowen, who has been sensational since 2021 (and far better than Downing), isn’t the one considered for the coming coaching cycle while Downing is.

It’s safe to say Downing is one coordinator Titans fans wouldn’t mind having poached, but Bowen is on quite the opposite end of the spectrum.

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Todd Downing concerned about ‘death threats’ in new details about arrest

New details have emerged from the arrest of Titans OC Todd Downing.

New details have emerged from the arrest of Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing, who was booked early Friday morning in Nashville on charges of DUI and speeding after the Week 11 win.

According to authorities, via Daniel Smithson of WSMV.com, Downing was estimated to be going 95 to 100 miles per hour by police, but was officially clocked at 50 miles per hour in a 40 mile-per-hour zone while being followed.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper who made the stop smelled alcohol coming from Downing’s car, and the Titans offensive coordinator had “red eyes and slow, slurred speech.”

During the stop, Downing, who admitted he had been drinking beer prior to driving, claimed he was trying to get home to his family quickly because he had “been receiving death threats.”

The 42-year-old coach then accepted a field sobriety test, which he failed, leading to his being taken into custody.

One of the many questions people have are, was Downing drinking alcohol on the team plane on the way back from the Packers game?

Alcohol on team planes and in team facilities is forbidden by the NFL, and if it is found that occurred on the Titans’ flight home from Green Bay, the team could face discipline.

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel declined to comment on whether or not that was the case. The NFL sent a memo out on Friday reiterating the rules.

The league will review the situation, as it does in all cases like these. Downing, and now the team itself, could potentially face discipline.

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Mike Vrabel talks Todd Downing’s arrest, won’t comment on if alcohol was on plane

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel declined to say if alcohol was on the plane.

One of the first orders of business for Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel on Friday was to address the arrest of his offensive coordinator, Todd Downing.

Downing was arrested for DUI and speeding near Nashville in the morning hours following the team’s Week 11 win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

In his usual day-after presser, Vrabel touched on the subject:

“We all have a great responsibility as members of this community,” Vrabel said. “It’s something we are going to take very seriously, gather all the information we can and do our best to move forward. I don’t think discouraged is the word to describe it.”

One logical question that has been asked is, did the Titans have alcohol on the plane? That’s a question Vrabel declined to answer.

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The NFL has rules against alcohol on team planes and in team facilities, thus the Titans could face discipline as a team.

The Titans head coach also noted he will address the team about the situation when they return to the facility, but he has spoken to some players about it.

Shortly after news broke of Downing’s arrest, the Titans released this brief statement, which is similar to Vrabel’s.

“We are aware of the reports regarding Todd Downing and are in the process of gathering additional information,” the team said, per Paul Kuharsky.

As is the case with all situations like these, the NFL will be taking a look at the matter and it’s possible Downing faces discipline.

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Titans OC Todd Downing arrested for DUI, speeding following win over Packers

Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing was arrested for DUI and speeding on Friday morning following the team’s win over the Packers.

Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing was arrested for driving under the influence and speeding at around 2:30 a.m. on early Friday morning near Nashville following the team’s 27-17 win over the Green Bay Packers, according to Terry McCormick of TitansInsider.com and confirmed by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Downing was booked around 4:30 and released on bond as of 6:46 a.m. on Friday. Here are more details, per Daniel Smithson of WSMV.com:

Downing was pulled over at about 2:30 a.m. on Cool Spring Boulevard after being followed by a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper who spotted him speeding. It was estimated he was going between 95 and 100 miles per hour, but he was officially paced at 50 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone while being followed.

The trooper said during the traffic stop, he immediately smelled alcohol coming from Downing, who had red eyes and slow, slurred speech, according to an affidavit. Downing admitted to the trooper he had beer before driving, THP said.

The trooper reported Downing said he was trying to get home to his family because he had “been receiving death threats.” The trooper said he observed Downing swaying as he got out of his vehicle.

Downing consented to a field sobriety test, THP said. He did not pass and was taken into custody.

On Friday morning, the Titans released a brief statement acknowledging they are aware of the situation but are still gathering more details.

The league is looking into the matter, which is standard procedure for a situation like this.

Downing is in his second season as the offensive coordinator for Mike Vrabel in Tennessee.

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