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Titans runningbacks 2024 (1 Viewer)

Bri

Footballguy
Annual thread

Pollard is the (somewhat) big money guy. That's not meaningless with a newish GM and is a point of contention for Tyjae fans. How much does that matter?

Spears was as exciting as anyone and as fast as anyone when he ran outside. He struggled to run between the tackles showing zero vision. He didn't struggle with this in college and the Titans line was terrible. There's limited hope. (More on this)

Pollard and Spears have been called similar or even identical by many this off-season. There IS a limit to the bullying tough smashing runs they're capable of. Where that line is drawn is a big Q for FF projections as is if Spears is allowed to steal the role of the lion's share of work.

The coaching change should bring more passes to the RBs and less grinding but to what degree?

Hassan Haskins hasn't shown any vision and very little burst. He's looked more like the NFL game is too much for him than that one day he'll succeed. His arrest last year for choking his girlfriend had settlement and charges dropped discussions that the public hasn't been privy too. The Titans put him on IR and notice there's been zero "is he healed up? Done w PT?" articles. They're an extremely professional organization. Bud's son is a lawyer for the league. His daughter is the active owner. All I keep saying is they surely know how to handle this. Some have him with a chance in camp. I do not. I've got him cut with the org having zero egg on their face managing this scenario very well.

Julius Chestnut has been a camp darling twice. A fun who's that guy from that tiny school discussion has led to "ooh he's pretty good" in typical UDFA fashion. He's made the team twice. He was to spell Henry but hurt his ACL. He's a tough runner that can eventually show some speed when he smashes thru. He doesn't have notable hands. His highlights are worth searching on Twitter and Google. He's running against first team Ds in preseason. Henry wasn't in preseason. He's everything ya want on special teams.

Dylan Johnson is supposedly another tough runner and someone a lot of draft folks had as a UDFA to surprise.

I've got the Titans with an open opportunity for a third and 2, 4th and 1, goal line role for someone to grab in camp. Others do not. I've got this as a good home run swing for FF. Most do not.

Jabari Small is smallish and electric. He is probably a camp body with Pollard and Spears elite in any role he could fill. The Titans are changing up the return game like anyone but with a bit extra because they haven't been great. Maybe he can find a role as a returner.

The Titans offensive staff comes from Bengals and Jags. I don't see a comparable Mixon or Etienne on the roster. No idea how much influence Daddy Callahan will have but I don't see Browns backs either.

Knowing Pollard or Spears will catch or run wide is one dimensional to a defense covering an area. Knowing Chestnut or Johnson will smash up the middle is one dimensional. The young Titans staff is lauded for intellect so they won't be fooled in being predictable but how does this play out then? There are definitely carries not obvious initially to be had by someone
 
I've got the Titans with an open opportunity for a third and 2, 4th and 1, goal line role for someone to grab in camp. Others do not. I've got this as a good home run swing for FF. Most do not.
surprised about this, can't see how anyone would think either Pollard or Spears is suited for GL, short yardage work.
 
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I've got the Titans with an open opportunity for a third and 2, 4th and 1, goal line role for someone to grab in camp. Others do not. I've got this as a good home run swing for FF. Most do not.
surprised about this, can't see how anyone would think either Pollard or Spears is suited for GL, short yardage work.
Chestnut could be adequate for short yardage but I think we’ll see a lot more short passes to Chig.
Maybe the tush push makes its way to Smashville.
 
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I've got the Titans with an open opportunity for a third and 2, 4th and 1, goal line role for someone to grab in camp. Others do not. I've got this as a good home run swing for FF. Most do not.
surprised about this, can't see how anyone would think either Pollard or Spears is suited for GL, short yardage work.
It's been months of people telling me "no way" so I'm definitely the outlier
 
I've got the Titans with an open opportunity for a third and 2, 4th and 1, goal line role for someone to grab in camp. Others do not. I've got this as a good home run swing for FF. Most do not.
surprised about this, can't see how anyone would think either Pollard or Spears is suited for GL, short yardage work.
It's been months of people telling me "no way" so I'm definitely the outlier

Jabari Small was productive in that role for the Volunteers. Less enamored with the other UDFA back out of Washington, Dillon Johnson.

Leonard Fournette is still only 29....
 
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I've got the Titans with an open opportunity for a third and 2, 4th and 1, goal line role for someone to grab in camp. Others do not. I've got this as a good home run swing for FF. Most do not.
surprised about this, can't see how anyone would think either Pollard or Spears is suited for GL, short yardage work.
It's been months of people telling me "no way" so I'm definitely the outlier

Jabari Small was productive in that role for the Volunteers. Less enamored with the other UDFA back out of Washington, Dillon Johnson.

Leonard Fournette is still only 29....
I missed this.
Everyone always has him like Pollard and Spears and he only had 2-3 TDs last year.
 
I've got the Titans with an open opportunity for a third and 2, 4th and 1, goal line role for someone to grab in camp. Others do not. I've got this as a good home run swing for FF. Most do not.
surprised about this, can't see how anyone would think either Pollard or Spears is suited for GL, short yardage work.
It's been months of people telling me "no way" so I'm definitely the outlier

Jabari Small was productive in that role for the Volunteers. Less enamored with the other UDFA back out of Washington, Dillon Johnson.

Leonard Fournette is still only 29....
I missed this.
Everyone always has him like Pollard and Spears and he only had 2-3 TDs last year.

15 TDs (13 rushing) in 2022

Brutal last year, one of the lowest grades I’ve ever seen Lance Zuerlein hand out. But the bigger backs they have in camp are below mid.

:shrug:

Wait n see how he looks when they put pads on in a few weeks.

(Small is 215ish)

Listed 213 everywhere…except that was a lie. 198 at the combine (SIDs are idiots.)

We’re back to the drawing board for Titans GL back…
 
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Dillon Johnson waived already
Chestnut now doesn't have someone new to fend off Small develops a nose for the end zone as Bobby was talking about above.
Haskins ...mentioned legal stuff last year above.

Need a report, once pass come on, that Chestnut looks spry or somesuch after injury last year.

Could add someone.

Chestnut last pick looks better
 
Not in pads-Yesterday had big runs by Tyjae and Pollard outracing the defense.
On the radio, one of the reporters was saying Chestnut's long run was the best. He explained they're essentially playing flag football. To run off the guard, shift a couple times, and get free takes exceptional footwork and vision and most importantly the blocking was there yesterday. Best blocking he's seen in years and he wanted to point out Vrabel Callahan staff difference. Vrabel's guys are hollering technique and coaching after. Current staff is "do not let him get there" and coaching technique after the play if it's needed.
He had a bit about special teams and the new staff seems obsessed with owning a spot or not letting a defender get to a location and it really opened things up for the Titans to finally show some speed. He's waiting for the pads so the defenders can blow things up and see how it all truly works but he's enthused by this sort of new obsession that if they win at this point, the WR, KR, RB is off to the races
 
Haskins lighter and stronger with a bit more explosion was about the only Haskins news lately.
Chestnut has been mentioned most every day as breaking one. Today was Odukoya freeing him for one.
Spears and Pollard reports so far are exactly as expected and I question coaches tackling rules. It's always they would have been tackled but kicked it outside. They always also make a good catch or a few and always race up the sideline. Really hasn't been much news to chew on with these two

My prediction of Chestnut looks quite good right now so I'd start drafting him with the last pick of 20+ round drafts. Maybe earlier if old school guys and a slew of RBs always get drafted...you know that type of league. Last pick is all I'm saying as of now
 
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Haskins had a very good day. Two days of note. He has his share of fans and they popped up on social media. It's two days.

D stuffed Pollard couple times and he punched one in. With weird tackling rules idk what this means.
Spears involved on ST, Pollard not, is a possible sign.

Chestnut with tough yardage and breaking one is becoming ordinary. DL singling him out in interviews was a surprise it wasn't Pollard or Spears
 
Depth chart released.
Haskins is listed as third backup which is curious on a day two reporters listed Chestnut as one of their stars of camp AND he's been playing with the ones. Maybe it's because they'll let Haskins run with the ones during this preseason game? Again Haskins put a few good days together but Chestnut has been very good all the time.

Spears is the lone KR listed and like I said the other day there's starting to be clear signs Pollard is ahead of him.

ETA depth chart edited. This has happened before. More KR than Spears now.
Wyatt quote from main Titans site ""Tyjae Spears is listed at No.1 on the depth chart at kick returner, with no one behind him."
 
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Chestnut broke through and exploded for a big TD then coach challenged him to do it again. He did.
Haskins caught one and took it to the house when he got in.
Pollard same probs as last week. Slipped in for TD from the ten but also stopped twice.
Little mention of Spears lately
 
Pollard scored from the six, Spears from the 25. Didn't see any notes that Pollard was stopped today. Never know if that's reporters sick of writing same or he did well finally. I'd think they'd say the positive but...at face value good on him. These two did well on a day the WRs struggled which is probably expected but still good to read.
Haven't seen Haskins notes curiously.
Chestnut ran with ones briefly then third string. W third string, he carried defenders to the end zone twice and had a long run as reporters commented it was a convincing I don't belong on third string performance.

Pollard (who curiously doesn't speak to the press much if at all) keeps hollering "matter of time" in Chestnut's direction when he makes a nice play. People have been pointing out he's clearly a Chestnut fan
 
Spears is the 1A and Pollard is the insurance capital. Backwards business some might suggest but it’s actually highly intellectual
 
The backs looked good.
I'm still concerned how a clever game plan will work against a tough D but it sure seems like a lot of opportunities to break some runs
 
Coach said there were certain plays for certain backs as there will be in season. They went over it before and the top three all executed well and it played to their strengths which is how it's supposed to work.
Q was about Spears/Pollard and it's a little hmmm to hear they planned certain plays for each. I get it with different style backs but with similar type...idk.

Didn't bite on if Chestnut is the third. He had a good run and seems so.

Common thoughts during game conversations- Chestnut clearly the better runner. Haskins clearly the better special teams player. Chestnut has that Henry-esque move where he gives one last hit to free himself and always finds a way to break one. Did he learn that from Henry?

Coach said they'd probably keep four may keep three then backtracked all prior comments about how many they'll keep saying something like reporters shouldn't hold him to it, roster makeup is very flexible and not hard numbers before week one. This is no help as to if Chestnut or Haskins.
 
Coach said there were certain plays for certain backs as there will be in season. They went over it before and the top three all executed well and it played to their strengths which is how it's supposed to work.
Q was about Spears/Pollard and it's a little hmmm to hear they planned certain plays for each. I get it with different style backs but with similar type...idk.

Didn't bite on if Chestnut is the third. He had a good run and seems so.

Common thoughts during game conversations- Chestnut clearly the better runner. Haskins clearly the better special teams player. Chestnut has that Henry-esque move where he gives one last hit to free himself and always finds a way to break one. Did he learn that from Henry?

Coach said they'd probably keep four may keep three then backtracked all prior comments about how many they'll keep saying something like reporters shouldn't hold him to it, roster makeup is very flexible and not hard numbers before week one. This is no help as to if Chestnut or Haskins.
Oh paper, Haskins should be able to play much more powerfully than he actually does. Maybe Eddie needs to have a talk with him like he did with DH. I gotta say I've always enjoyed watching Chestnut but iirc he's only been effective in preseason play.
 

Here's coach on the third back role which he calls very important (and I've been harping on because I think there's an FF late steal GL back role to be had) and comparing the two backs.

Bad news for Jabari Small who isn't even mentioned.
 
Hey Bri, if you had the option to keep Spears in a keeper league for what is ADP is, or toss him back into the pool and either draft him or someone else, would you keep him based on the upside? No other better keeper options, either keep him at ADP and hope for upside, or keep no one.
 
Coach said there were certain plays for certain backs as there will be in season. They went over it before and the top three all executed well and it played to their strengths which is how it's supposed to work.
Q was about Spears/Pollard and it's a little hmmm to hear they planned certain plays for each. I get it with different style backs but with similar type...idk.

Didn't bite on if Chestnut is the third. He had a good run and seems so.

Common thoughts during game conversations- Chestnut clearly the better runner. Haskins clearly the better special teams player. Chestnut has that Henry-esque move where he gives one last hit to free himself and always finds a way to break one. Did he learn that from Henry?

Coach said they'd probably keep four may keep three then backtracked all prior comments about how many they'll keep saying something like reporters shouldn't hold him to it, roster makeup is very flexible and not hard numbers before week one. This is no help as to if Chestnut or Haskins.
Oh paper, Haskins should be able to play much more powerfully than he actually does. Maybe Eddie needs to have a talk with him like he did with DH. I gotta say I've always enjoyed watching Chestnut but iirc he's only been effective in preseason play.
I don't think Haskins has "it." Ya gotta have a head that says I can rock if given a chance and he seems to be more I can do things the way I was coached to do it. A lot of rookies look this way and it can be fine but not at a star position. They learned it and lean on it over the years and I'm all appreciative of it in sports but this is a star position. Yes do it as taught but also be the man, be the star, believe in yourself. He's got more coach's pet good boy vibes.

Chestnut clearly has some dog in him. Every so many runs he breaks one and every play he's hitting back. It's been a few years in camps and it's always that way.

He hasn't played much in regular season. I can remember something like a big third n four play for eight yards and a big hit on ST. Maybe a few plays where he's blitz pickup for a clear pass play. Very little. There hasn't been work available. Henry was such a huge presence. Other than last year, he had to get hurt for anyone to get notable carries.

New coach really seems to like the speed back. Idk the Bengals history but the Titans have had one in camp for many years-either a supposed stud UDFA or drafted one and none of them panned out. The Bengals had Mixon and Perine for a good bit and ...idk maybe he always wanted it? Having Spears and adding Pollard was odd and specific. They're the one two punch for sure but they both lack punch and I strongly believe there's a role for a third guy when it's just classic style tough football.

If Chestnut breaks a few- reasonably possible- then maybe maybe there's more opportunities for that third role but again he seems to really like the scatback concepts.

The line blocked really poorly week one of preseason. Willis' big run masks awful rushing stats. I have no doubt Daddy Callahan works on the linemen but I bet they're relooking at some designed plays too. I forget 2.2 ypc? That can't happen. The run game has to get four per or whatever number any fan says is regular. There has to be some semblance of run pass ratio and whatever the minimum idea is without Henry, it can't be 2.2. This line has lots of potential on the left and questionable on the right but woah are they a highly questionable unit. The Titans can't afford to predictably pass all the time. That line will get destroyed. Establish a run game too and don't let the D just pin their ears back so the OL gets a fair shake too
 
Hawks joint practice
Callahan said Spears and Pollard best two pass blockers he's ever had.
I see notes of Spears getting smacked a few times, breaking runs a few times. One big hit caused an almost fight between the teams.
Each reporter saying they really didn't run well today.
No mention of Chestnut or Haskins or Small that I see.

I did notice reporters putting out their 53 predictions seem to agree on Haskins over Chestnut and I can't believe that
 
Pollard with a nice catch is about all I see.

Hawks writers mentioned shutting down Titans backs but letting a few leak thru day 1. It reads like day 2 they smothered the Titans backs.

Titans offense was bad and Callahan said he was going to be candid and honest with everyone.

They couldn't run preseason week one and now this. It's a problem
 
I did see a Seahawks reporter single out Chestnut and Wyatt said he let his pads do his talking and broke one
 
No clue on this one, Spears almost fell to me in my last draft but it seems like two guys more than capable of handling the job.
 
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yeah i'm at a bit of a loss here as well, feel like there's potential here for one but seems like there'd have to be an injury. seems like both could be reasonably productive w/o injury esp. Spears in ppr, but doesn't seem like either is great at the goal line so just don't know.
 
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The line didn't block well again. Per usual, Chestnut found a way to have a good run.
13 for 45 yards. Haskins and Small with 5 and 7 carries for 13 each.
Chestnut 2 catches for 29
Haskins 0
Small 4 for 24.

PFF game review has Chestnut winning the third back role and Small leapfrogging Haskins.
 
Starting to question the run game and line at least for the early season games.
Idk how I feel stat wise about Pollard and Spears because they do have success running wide but it seems problematic.
Chestnut just continues to smash and...it's shaping up as I said months ago and I really was hoping Daddy Callahan would give me more confidence here.
The starters sat and (more or less) last year's starters played so there is hope still it's just they didn't fare well in joint practice either
 
Starting to question the run game and line at least for the early season games.
Idk how I feel stat wise about Pollard and Spears because they do have success running wide but it seems problematic.
Chestnut just continues to smash and...it's shaping up as I said months ago and I really was hoping Daddy Callahan would give me more confidence here.
The starters sat and (more or less) last year's starters played so there is hope still it's just they didn't fare well in joint practice either

I just figured the Titans would be trailing in most games and Will Levis will be slinging empty yards to Calvin Ridley and Deandre Hopkins.



"CALVIN RIDLEY GOES FOR 9 /113 / 1TD AND THE TITANS HAVE LOST BY 13."
 
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Starting to question the run game and line at least for the early season games.
Idk how I feel stat wise about Pollard and Spears because they do have success running wide but it seems problematic.
Chestnut just continues to smash and...it's shaping up as I said months ago and I really was hoping Daddy Callahan would give me more confidence here.
The starters sat and (more or less) last year's starters played so there is hope still it's just they didn't fare well in joint practice either

I just figured the Titans would be trailing in most games and Will Levis will be slinging empty yards to Calvin Ridley and Deandre Hopkins.



"CALVIN RIDLEY GOES FOR 9 /113 / 1TD AND THE TITANS HAVE LOST BY 13."
Well that'll be very likely if they can't run.
 
Quoting from memory-
Coach said Chestnut has done well. He's done well for himself and has done everything they asked him to do well. That's why they started him. He earned that
He said Jabari has done very well too and come on lately.
He said Hassan hasn't done as well as those two. I think we know that, but he's a special teams demon and that has a place too.
He said It's still very much a competition.
 
Idk this guy and his coach speak is too new as a first time coach but he's an odd bird that does long hour or two interviews and takes the time to explain everything and I really take him as open n honest and genuine.

One week to go. I figure it's Chestnut's job to lose. Besides performance, sounds like he's very coachable too. It will be to Callahan's offense's detriment if he doesn't have a hard nosed back and I do figure he knows that.

Small has apparently flashed some in practice which I've argued how come no one mentions that but whatever whatever...short of a great week three I don't think he's it.

Special teams does matter but many coaches have put too much value in it. I can remember plenty of ST aces that were bad on defense or at WR when injuries forced them to play and despite his college tape showing different- in a few camps, Haskins can't smash his way thru and play hard nosed ball in the NFL. He gets stuffed more often than not.

It's not in these guys favor that Odukoya is pancaking defenders and DMR looks like a talent. It's not in their favor that the OL looks highly questionable so they might keep an extra reserve. Same with that seven WRs doesn't seem so crazy either. When they discuss a possible fourth RB that goes beyond GameDay and into more of "roster management" and...idk I'd probably keep one of the others and take my chances they can clear waivers and go on the PS.
The other side is they can replace a depth RB and idk that they can find a promising TE or WR on the WW.
I think I'd just go with Chestnut.
 
Coach praised Spears and Pollard's pass blocking again.
ST coach raved of Haskins saying he has a LB mentality and detailing that. It sure sounds like he's going to stick if the ST coach has any say.
Callahan wasn't a fan of this depth chart it started with whose going to start and then starters will play three series and who they want to see in roles and he didn't think it went smoothly.

Small's injury was worse than expected and waiting for more but the timing is brutal for him.

Chestnut may start over Spears and Pollard because he's earned it and what coach said last week still holds true. (I'm guessing figurative, start a snap or two then they play)

Still clear as mud between Haskins and Chestnut
 
I didn't like the OC saying the line is gelling and they blocked real well in the run game versus Seattle, well in the joint practices.

There's like twenty reporters that have said it was brutal so it just seems like he tried to shine on them and flopped.

Bugs me because this staff has been incredibly open and direct and this was ugh
 
Chestnut had his usual day.
Haskins came in and made a nice catch and nice run. He needed that BUT then he was stopped just short of the GL by Adams and then on a dive play.
Chestnut called back in, smashed it in with ease.
Many took this as yet another example Chestnut is a far better runner.
 
Spears and Pollard were able to each make a great cut and race down the field and it infuriated the DC
 
@Bri I have to ask, were you an Oilers fan prior to Titans? No idea of your age. Or did you become a Titans fan after they moved to Tennessee?
 
@Bri I have to ask, were you an Oilers fan prior to Titans? No idea of your age. Or did you become a Titans fan after they moved to Tennessee?
Patriots fan. Lived in Mass from 1st grade til 5th otherwise NJ.
When I wrote FF for USA today, my editor asked challenged me w the Titans and...got hooked in. I had access to anything and all sorts of contacts and USA today brand holds weight. I loved it.
Another story, been in Oklahoma about 15 years
 
@Bri I have to ask, were you an Oilers fan prior to Titans? No idea of your age. Or did you become a Titans fan after they moved to Tennessee?
Patriots fan. Lived in Mass from 1st grade til 5th otherwise NJ.
When I wrote FF for USA today, my editor asked challenged me w the Titans and...got hooked in. I had access to anything and all sorts of contacts and USA today brand holds weight. I loved it.
Another story, been in Oklahoma about 15 years
You seemed like a Titans fan since you’re always bumping Titan threads.
 
@Bri I have to ask, were you an Oilers fan prior to Titans? No idea of your age. Or did you become a Titans fan after they moved to Tennessee?
Patriots fan. Lived in Mass from 1st grade til 5th otherwise NJ.
When I wrote FF for USA today, my editor asked challenged me w the Titans and...got hooked in. I had access to anything and all sorts of contacts and USA today brand holds weight. I loved it.
Another story, been in Oklahoma about 15 years
You seemed like a Titans fan since you’re always bumping Titan threads.
Yeah I am just switched 20 years ago or so.
 
@Bri I have to ask, were you an Oilers fan prior to Titans? No idea of your age. Or did you become a Titans fan after they moved to Tennessee?
Patriots fan. Lived in Mass from 1st grade til 5th otherwise NJ.
When I wrote FF for USA today, my editor asked challenged me w the Titans and...got hooked in. I had access to anything and all sorts of contacts and USA today brand holds weight. I loved it.
Another story, been in Oklahoma about 15 years
You seemed like a Titans fan since you’re always bumping Titan threads.
Yeah I am just switched 20 years ago or so.
I’m in the camp you never switch teams, but that’s me. Thanks for the post.
 
Small returned which wasn't supposed to happen so big surprise.
RG Radunz had been toast on the previous play allowing a sack and then he responded with a huge block to free Small on what seems like the highlight of the day.
Chestnut was tackled for a loss in the backfield and that stirred up that he really hasn't ever been caught this summer.
Phenom(maybe too early and I'm anxious to call him that) OLB Harrell caught Spears for a TFL and Spears followed that with a great run himself.
On an exciting back n forth day, the wind seemed to come out of the sails when Haskins was brought up. I really wonder if he can beat out Small now.

Coach said four RBs is very possible as is 4TEs. He's very comfortable doing that. He talked how certain guys have certain things they do well and it's the offensive staff's job to put them in those positions and he thinks everyone is on the same page now and it's fun to see it develop.
As I've said-
He mentioned RBs are going to be involved more on ST this year.
 
Small was 10 for 64
Haskins was 10 for 31

I've got Chestnut RB3.

Haskins makes it due to ST or
Small is penciled in over Haskins because he's clearly a better runner and they decide to keep three or some fourth from free agency. Small is a good bet to make it to the PS so they probably won't use a roster spot on him
 

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