Titans fans are about to get a close look at one of Robert Saleh’s most recognizable habits.
When Saleh was running the Jets, he built a defense that could look suffocating. But he also developed a reputation for leaning hard into a defensive line rotation, cycling through as many as 10 linemen and trimming the workload of his best players. That approach was part of the package in New York, and it’s already showing up again in Tennessee.
Saleh, now the Titans’ head coach, is reportedly planning to cut Jeffrey Simmons’ snaps after Simmons has played more than 80% of Tennessee’s snaps over the last few seasons. Even with John Franklin-Myers added in free agency and Keldric Faulk brought in through the NFL Draft, Saleh seems set on sticking with the same philosophy that frustrated Jets fans.
That system can be overwhelming when everything is clicking. Saleh wants his front to attack, get upfield fast and create pressure without needing to blitz.
But that style comes with a cost, especially when it wears down the defensive line and leaves the run defense exposed. That was one of the issues that hurt the Jets in 2024.
The biggest example in New York was Quinnen Williams. Saleh eventually got more production out of him by keeping him on the field for a larger share of snaps, but it took real pressure to get there. He did not come around easily.
There’s also a ripple effect behind the line. If the front isn’t consistently winning without extra rushers, the secondary has to hold up longer.
That was manageable for the Jets with Sauce Gardner playing at an All-Pro level. Tennessee may not have that same cushion, and unless Cor'Dale Flott makes a major leap, the Titans could be asking a lot from their back end.
For now, the Titans may feel like they’re headed in the right direction. Jets fans felt the same way when Saleh arrived in New York. But the longer this rotation plays out, the more familiar the complaints may sound.
And for Titans fans, the first time they see Simmons standing on the sideline for half the game, the reaction probably won’t be subtle.
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