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The Titans are a Pass Rusher Away from Having a Scary Defense

HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 01:  Running back Derrick Ward #32 of the Houston Texans is tackled by safety Jordan Babineaux #26 of the Tennesse Titans at Reliant Stadium on January 1, 2012 in Houston, Texas.  (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 01: Running back Derrick Ward #32 of the Houston Texans is tackled by safety Jordan Babineaux #26 of the Tennesse Titans at Reliant Stadium on January 1, 2012 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
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Steve Wyche posted his "exit interview" for the Titans yesterday at NFL.com. Here is part of what he had to say about the Titans:

Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray put together a gritty group that was among the top in the NFL in scoring defense (19.8 points per game). The Titans defense lacks a star, but its collaborative effort kept Tennessee in contention until the very end. Reserve rookie defensive tackle Karl Klug was a big surprise against the pass, registering a team-high seven sacks with two forced fumbles.

So the Titans were top 10 in scoring defense, but they were 31st in the league with just 28 sacks on the season. That is actually pretty impressive.

The Titans, more than just about any team in the league, have seen first hand how much better a defense is with just one good pass rusher. Jerry Gray did a great job with the group that he had in 2011. If they can add a dynamic pass rusher, either in the free agency or the draft, they could field a defense that will be good enough to help the team make a deep playoff run.