The interior of the Titans offensive line has been a problem for years now. Last season really highlighted this issue. The signing of Levitre puts us one position away from having one of the better offensive lines in football. While the price tag might not have been cheap, I believe it's money well spent for a handful of reasons, most importantly:
- I think the depth of the pocket will be an important issue for our young QB. You want him to learn to step up and work on pocket mobility, but that's difficult to teach when the depth of the pocket is constantly compromised.
- Further, we've learned that CJ's production is a direct result of the blocking provided for him. The variance in his production is much larger than most backs as it relates to production from the offensive line. Without it, he's a fringe starter (borderline liability). With good blocking, he's one of the most explosive players in the game.
Levitre correctly uses the tackles own momentum towards the sideline, gets inside out leverage, and kicks him out.
The result is a great block and hole for CJ Spiller which allows for a 33 yard gain.
These stills more or less speak for themselves. Bills run a counter play here. Offensive line blocks down. They pull Levitre from the LG spot to kick out the EMLOS, and then send the TE through the back side hole as a lead blocker. It's plays like this where you watch it, and you're not really floored by the tape. But, there's nothing to nitpick, and the athleticism displayed shouldn't be dismissed, either. We struggled with pulling guards at times last year. While things like this aren't flashy, it just adds more variety to the things you can do in the run game.
Passing Game
Another example here of a play that, if watched live, probably doesn't wow many people. And, really with offensive linemen, it's more about volume of successful plays (especially in the passing game). That is, any starter in the league can execute this play, but it's Levitre's ability to do it consistently that makes him special. My sample size is limited, but I never saw him get beat in the passing game on tape.
Back to the play, Levitre is at the guard spot on the right side of the screen here.
Defensive line stunts the rushing linebacker around the defensive end. Levitre begins the play with a combo block on the end with his left tackle, and now begins to transition to the stunting linebacker.
Levitre transitions smoothly, keeps good leverage and engages the defender.
The result is a good, clean pocket for Fitzpatrick to step and throw from, allowing a strike for a first down.
Summary
As mentioned above, Levitre isn't really going to jump off the page in stills, or basic film analysis, really. Well, I shouldn't say that. I was floored by how well he played, but he doesn't exactly flash dominating power. What stands out more than anything is that there's almost never a lapse in judgement, or a negative play given up as a result of Levitre struggling. He can go unnoticed at times, but it's for all the right reasons. He strikes me as a guy with great football IQ which will be a great resource alongside our young center.
Kudos to this front office and coaching staff for going out and getting their guy. Some may have reservations about the price tag, but I believe he'll still provide great value. This is a huge upgrade over an aging Hutchinson that, in my opinion, will result in tangible gains in both the run and passing game next year.