From Tennessee Titans On SI · · 1m 50s
Saleh’s best Titans call was Anthony Hill Jr.
A bleak Titans opener had one clear bright spot, and it should change Robert Saleh’s linebacker plan fast.
In brief
A bleak Titans opener had one clear bright spot, and it should change Robert Saleh’s linebacker plan fast. Anthony Hill Jr. earned a bigger role right away, even when Cedric Gray returns. Originally reported by Tennessee Titans On SI.
Opener fell flat
Tennessee lost 23-10 to the Jets at home, despite entering the hyped Week 1 matchup as slight favorites. The performance looked too much like last year’s mess.
“showed little development from the abysmal product”
Saleh owned mistakes
Robert Saleh admitted his own faults after the loss. Still, one choice before kickoff gave Tennessee a real building block.
“Saleh can hang his hat on one decision”
Hill got the nod
With Cedric Gray concussed, Saleh started rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. instead of James Williams Sr. Hill looked ready right away among veterans.
“plugging rookie LB Anthony Hill Jr. in”
Sixteen tackles spoke
Hill led the Titans with 16 tackles against New York. A play ruled an interception could easily have been credited as his forced fumble.
“a team-high 16 tackles”
Rotation case made
The rookie did enough to demand snaps even after Gray returns. Tennessee’s defense now looks short of full strength without Hill in it.
“made a strong case to be worked into the rotation immediately”
Defense had few answers
The secondary struggled, and Saleh’s rebuilt defensive line failed to sack the quarterback. Hill, especially next to Cody Barton, was the rare sign of what could work.
“represented the best possible future for this team”
PFF backed it up
PFF graded Hill as Week 1’s top defensive rookie with a 78.7 mark. He also broke up passes over the middle, showing more than tackle volume.
“the highest defensive rookie in Week 1”
Best two should play
Gray still has a place, but Barton and Williams should not be untouchable. The suggested answer is Hill at MIKE and Gray back at WILL when healthy.
“roll with your two best guys”
One bold start
If Tennessee wants to pull this season back from a brutal start, Saleh needs more calls like this one. Hill should be treated as a fix, not a fill-in.
“it'll take a few gutsy decisions from Saleh”
At a glance
Anthony Hill Jr. earned a bigger role right away, even when Cedric Gray returns.
