It’s easy to highlight proven and esteemed coaches in the NFL like Bill Belichick and Sean Payton. However, the Saints and the Patriots both got knocked out from the playoffs by some impressive coaches. These eliminations left enough spotlight for Kyle Shanahan and Mike Vrabel to prove themselves as worthy playoff coaches. The 49ers advanced to the Super Bowl in a well deserved manner, but the Titans unfortunately got knocked out by the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday. However, I could not let the Titans end their season without highlighting Mike Vrabel’s major contribution to Tennessee’s success this season.
While I have genuinely liked Ryan Tannehill throughout his 6 years with Miami, I don’t consider him to be a playoff quarterback. Coach Vrabel efficiently covers up Tannehill’s shortcomings with Derrick Henry’s run and unique play calling. Coach Vrabel understands when to use Tannehill on a situation to situation basis, which makes Tannehill appear as a more useful quarterback than what he contributes. It seems like a simple concept for a coach to grasp, but quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, Mitch Trubisky, and Jameis Winston would appear exponentially better at their position with a coach like this. Coach Vrabel knows when to that utilize his quarterback on a situational basis.
Vrabel exemplified just how effectively he can cover up the Titan’s weaknesses, and shocked the Ravens cutting their playoff run short. In that game, Ryan Tannehill only threw for 88 total yards versus Lamar Jackson’s 365 yards. However, Tannehill had 2 passing touchdowns and 0 interceptions; Jackson passed for 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. These stats are not to discredit Lamar Jackson’s performance or to make Ryan Tannehill’s measly 88 passing yards look better; rather exemplify Coach Vrabel’s game strategy. He was numerically beat out with passing yardage, How can a quarterback throw for 365 yards and still lose a game with the Raven’s offense? Pure Vrabel strategy. Not to mention, a portion of Vrabel’s strategy is the unique play calling to extend the life of a drive.
In the most recent playoff loss to the Chiefs, Vrabel still showed how his strategy to extend a drive is incredibly effective. On a 4th and 8 situation, the Titans fake punted, and extended the drive for a first down and then some. While this was in the fourth quarter and down 35-17, this play gave the Titans a fighting chance to still put points on the board. Here’s the fake punt video if you missed it.
In a red zone situation, Vrabel calls for a surprise plays to throw off the defense. In this past Sundays game, Vrabel had their Offensive Tackle, Dennis Kelly catch a short pass for a touchdown… Here’s the video below
The other intangible aspect of Vrabel’s coaching is his charisma and energy within the team. As a former Linebacker for the Ohio State, he brings an intense energy on the sidelines. Vrabel coaches with a determination to win, and his passion is reflected on the field. Even in interviews, coach is not hesitant to put the media in its place. From an outside perspective, the team plays like they trust and respect him because of this energy he brings.
I am holding Mike Vrabel (and Derrick Henry, of course) personally responsible for the Tennessee Titans playoff run. While the AFC South is not incredibly impressive, the Titans managed to upset Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. The Titans are legitimate Super Bowl contenders with Coach Vrabel guiding the team: contingent on the Titans drafting where the holes are.
“If you aren’t going all the way, why go at all?”
-Joe Namath
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