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The Titans’ Pass Rush Finally Arrived. Can It Become a Trend?
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- The Titans’ Pass Rush Finally Arrived. Can It Become a Trend?
| Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Michael Roberts, Editor
One of the biggest reasons the Tennessee Titans notched their first win of the 2026 season was the emergence of the Titans pass rush against the Indianapolis Colts . The Titans recorded six sacks against Indianapolis , with Jeffery Simmons and Jermaine Johnson each with two. Was the performance against the Colts a turning point for head coach Robert Saleh's defense, or was it a one-game breakthrough? This weekend's matchup with the Cleveland Browns will likely reveal whether the defensive line pressure will become a trend, or if the Colts game was an aberration.
The Titans' Pass Rush Finally Arrived. Can It Become a Trend?
What Happened in Indianapolis?
Sep 27, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo (44) runs with the ball against Tennessee Titans defensive end John Franklin-Myers (91) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Not only did Simmons and Johnson register two sacks each versus the Colts, but each was responsible for seven quarterback pressures . John Franklin-Myers contributed with six of his own. Simmons also added a forced fumble and recovery to his production on that day. What does all of this tell us? The pressure coming from the defensive line on Daniel Jones was from multiple areas, not one singular source.
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The Titans' pass rush took a significant step forward in this game. Through their first five games , the Titans recorded a sack on 6.1% of opposing dropbacks, while their hit-or-sack rate stood at 12.3%. Against the Colts, those figures jumped to 12% and 22%, respectively. The performance was an encouraging sign for Saleh's defense, although Tennessee will need to sustain that pressure to prove it wasn't a one-game outlier.
Why Cleveland Offers Another Opportunity
The Browns' pass protection so far this season has left a lot to be desired, allowing 24 sacks in the first six games , the worst in the NFL. Cleveland knows they must prepare for Simmons, especially guards Zion Johnson and rookie Austin Barber. Simmons has the ability to collapse the pocket from the interior, which could lead to another day of scrambling for quarterback Deshaun Watson .
The Browns have had to rebuild their offensive line since the 2025 campaign. Installing five new starters means their communication and cohesion have been a work in progress.
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Cleveland showed some improvement after allowing eight sacks against the New York Jets , surrendering five against the Baltimore Ravens . However, five sacks allowed in a single game remains a significant problem for the Browns' protection. Finding any positive week-over-week is good for the Browns as they start two rookies on the refreshed o-line.
What Would Make This a Genuine Trend?
To really feel good about the Titans defensive line turning the corner, look for QB pressures to remain high, even if the sack total drops. If the Titans pass rush generate consistent pressure, force Watson off his spot, and hurry throws, a two- or three-sack performance could still represent meaningful progress.
The distribution of the pressures and/or sacks will also be telling. Simmons and Johnson had big weeks against the Colts, but it would be promising to see more contributions from Franklin-Myers and Jacob Martin. The Browns may devote extra blocking attention to Simmons, leaving opportunity for the rest of the line to take advantage.
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Last week the Titans blitzed on 28% of their plays , well above their average on the season of 22.1% in the first five games. If the Titans pass rush can generate pressures with just a four-man rush, it will open up opportunities for Saleh and Gus Bradley to have more options defending the pass.
The Last Word
The Titans pass rush doesn't necessarily need another six-sack performance against Cleveland to prove their pass rush is improving. What matters more is whether they can consistently disrupt the quarterback, generate pressure from multiple defenders, and get home without having to send extra rushers. Their performance against Indianapolis showed what this defensive front is capable of producing. Sustaining that level of pressure against Cleveland would provide a much stronger indication that Saleh's defense is beginning to find its footing.
Bonus Pick(!): Thinking of renaming this to 'Bonus Terrible Pick' but workshopping it. All the Browns' wins this season have been by four points or less, so expect this game to be close at the end. Cleveland has a top-10 defense in points allowed…but so do the Colts. The Titans' defense will need another big performance and likely force some turnovers. Let's ride with their momentum. Titans +2.5. (Season Record: 1-5).
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Main Image: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
