When Johnathan Cyprien tore his ACL back in August, it certainly seemed like the Tennessee Titans would be reeling at strong safety. Cyp’s not a guy who is easy to replace – a solid tackler, excellent in run support, good team guy, so on and so forth. But, Jon Robinson and company may have hit the jackpot with Kenny Vaccaro still being available. The guy came in on short notice and was slotted next to Kevin Byard right away. Fast forward a few months and the two look like one of if not the best safety combination in the entire league.
Kenny Vaccaro tackles James White for the loss and he got….JACKED UP!!!! pic.twitter.com/EyqiOgrSXJ
— Johnny Kinsley (@Brickwallblitz) November 12, 2018
The circumstances of his arrival in Nashville were not ideal, but it hasn’t stopped the guy from producing when and where he can. In fact, the value he adds to the NFL’s #1 scoring defense was made evident by his absence from the end of September through the beginning of November. Since he’s been back, he’s averaging five tackles a game and is playing the strong safety position so well that it’s allowing Byard to run free and make plays. To think that he’s doing what he’s doing having not spent the entirety of the offseason with the team is astounding.
It starts with shutting down the run. Next play, Patriots first rush attempt of the game. @KennyVaccaro4 takes on two blockers, which frees up @WoodDro52 to somehow fight through the wash and wrap up Sony Michel from behind, forcing the Patriots into another 3rd-and-long #TENvsNE pic.twitter.com/cPXjcvMzcv
— Titans Film Room (@titansfilmroom) November 13, 2018
But, it was his performance against the New England Patriots that really opened my eyes to say, “this dude deserves more credit. This dude deserves some love from Titans fans.” And, folks – that’s why we’re here today. Vaccaro had the highest grade of any Titans defender on Sunday according to Pro Football Focus. He hits like a missile and has the coverage skills to go with it.
As we all know from the opening defensive drive, Kenny Vaccaro was a force, he allow 2 catches on 3 targets for 0 yards. He is a steal so far and we need to make a plan to keep him.
Malcolm Butler who was left for dead by most fans, allowed 2 catches on 2 targets for just 11 yds
— Football …and other F words (@FWordsPod) November 12, 2018
STUFFED. Two catches on three targets – zero yards. Holy shit. But, his performances have been good all season. Vaccaro is 8th on the team in tackles with 27 (having missed three games, mind you). He has a sack. He has an interception. I mean, this guy is doing it all for the Titans defense.
If he keeps this up, the Titans are going to find themselves trying to figure out a way to keep him in town long-term. For now, though, let’s just salute the man’s work.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
Check out the SoBros Shop. Subscribe to our Patreon. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Listen on SoundCloud. Watch on YouTube.