NASHVILLE, Tenn. – When the Titans have been at the most dangerous passing the ball under Mike Vrabel, a dig route with a receiver crossing the field with speed, catching a pass in stride, perhaps bouncing off one defender and running away from others felt like a major element of it.
That receiver was often A.J. Brown and his play-caller for the first two seasons with Ryan Tannehill throwing the ball was Arthur Smith.
Now, what the Titans call a strike route is still a part of their repertoire, but they’ve run them it less successfully because it’s not something their receivers are particularly good at and because the way they are being defended often limits their opportunity.