Fans of the Tennessee Titans were dealt some unfortunate news yesterday. Pro Bowl stud left tackle Taylor Lewan took to Twitter to confirm our worst fears. He did indeed tear his ACL, and will miss the remainder of the 2020 season. After going down in the Titans’ 42-36 victory over the Houston Texans, Lewan was replaced by Ty Sambrailo.
Right away, the Texans identified it and lined JJ Watt up flush opposite of Sambrailo. The ball was snapped and he got flat out blown UP by Watt. Sambrailo didn’t have a prayer – Ryan Tannehill was hit, fumbled, and the Texans recovered. Shortly after that, the Texans scored. That’s all people seem to be remembering when thinking about the prospects of Sambrailo getting the gig long term.
So, that brings me to the headline I typed up – I don’t feel the same sense of panic the rest of the Titans fan base seems to be feeling. Am I insane? ‘Cause you guys are making me feel completely insane. I mean, are we really freaking out because of one bad play, coming in completely cold, against a bona fide Hall of Famer?!?! Is that the only slip-up of Sambrailo’s that y’all can think of? ‘Cause what I’ve noticed of Sambrailo this season makes him look like a serviceable and more-than-capable replacement.
I mean…it’s never easy to replace a Pro Bowler like Lewan. But, Sambrailo actually has the best run blocking grade among Titans offensive linemen per Pro Football Focus. I know he’s played roughly a third of the snaps of the other guys, but he actually has a better overall grade than any of the current starters. Say what you will about PFF, but hey – it’s something.
There’s a reason the Titans brought him in this offseason. With a full week of practice with the first team offense, and coming in ready to start, he’s going to do just fine. All of this talk about drastically changing up the offensive line just sounds crazy. There’s absolutely no way you can convince me that Isaiah Wilson is a better option at this point. And, you’re not moving Rodger Saffold and Dennis Kelly around because those guys are playing well in their respective slots. NAH!
K.I.S.S. – keep it simple stupid (can’t remember the last time I heard that one…). Don’t fuck with the lineup – make it Sambrailo-Saffold-Jones-Davis-Kelly and ride that unit out.
You still have Derrick Henry and Tannehill. You still have Arthur Smith and Mike Vrabel, who will undoubtedly have a gameplan for this. Let’s chill for a bit – I’m not saying Sambrailo is going to the Pro Bowl or anything, but let’s not call the Titans season over either. The sky sure as hell ain’t fallin’ just yet.
Oh, and PS. – I don’t wanna see any Lewan slander on my timeline. You people talkin’ about the injuries and penalties and doing a victory lap talkin’ about trading the man can get outright fucked.
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, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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