Should The Titans Trust Their Run Game More After a Dominant Performance in Cleveland?

It’s no secret that the Tennessee Titans’ offense runs through Cam Ward. He is the new franchise quarterback, and he will lead this team for years to come.

But very few football teams can win games consistently playing one-dimensionally. The Titans found out how important a balanced offense is in Week 14 when they beat the Cleveland Browns with a serviceable performance from Ward, but a dominant run game led by Tony Pollard.

Pollard had by far his best day running the ball, and he also had more carries than in any other game this season. He had 25 carries. Before that, he had 11 or fewer carries for seven games in a row. Interestingly, the last game in which Pollard had more than 11 carries, was the Titans’ only other win of the season, against the Arizona Cardinals.

Meanwhile, Cam Ward has attempted 34 or more passes in all but two games in that same timespan.

Ward needs to get reps. It is the only way he will improve. But most teams rely on their running game to complement their passing game. The Titans have been blatantly one-dimensional for much of this season. It is not the only reason, or even the main reason, for the Titans’ 2-11 record, but it is an important factor to consider.

One reason the Titans have not been able to rely on their run game is their offensive line. No matter who they draft or sign, the unit has continued to struggle for years.

However, in the Browns game, they played very well. They opened running lanes for Pollard and kept Ward safe and sound for the most part, despite facing off against Myles Garrett.

If the offensive line improves, it will help the Titans’ run game sustain this success while also protecting Cam Ward, allowing him to make better decisions and, in turn, create a balanced, functional offense.

So, yes, the Titans should lean on the run game more for the rest of the season. The wins or losses don’t matter. What matters is whether the offensive line can keep the momentum going and whether Tony Pollard and/or Tyjae Spears are the guys they want running behind them.

As fun as it is to watch Ward launch the ball down the field 40 times a game, the most successful offenses are often the most balanced. Relying a bit more on the run game will actually augment Ward’s game, not detract from it.