Robert Saleh arrived committed to a defensive-line rotation that would limit Jeffery Simmons’ snaps, but three games in his best defender is barely leaving the field and another decision raises questions about the reasoning behind his choices
By PAUL KUHARSKY
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Robert Saleh told us over and over that a wave of defensive linemen would key his defense.
As he took over as Titans coach and talked us through his philosophy and scheme, I don’t think there was a theme he hit harder. Mike Borgonzi stocked the roster up with players to fit the new 4-3 front. They signed four notable free agents, spent first- and sixth-round draft picks and traded for a high-profile guy.
Key guys would play around 60 or 70 percent of the snaps, meeting a high-intensity standard that would mean they were spent after about four plays. So they’d sub out. The aim would be to ensure the best guys, starting with Jeffery Simmons, would be on the field for the most important, pass-rushing downs.
It didn’t serve them well in the opener, when Simmons played 75 percent of the defensive snaps and was on the sideline at the start of one series for consecutive 12-yard runs by the Jets and a 22-yard completion.
