Here are some pointers Tennessee Titans can take from Eagles, Chiefs in Super Bowl 59

As the Tennessee Titans continue to build their franchise, they would be wise to study and draw inspiration from the success of two of the NFL’s most dominant teams: the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. These teams have found themselves consistently at the top of the league, and their performances in Super Bowl LVII have highlighted key strategies and principles that the Titans could adopt to become contenders in future seasons.

The Titans, currently in a phase of rebuilding and retooling, need to reflect on what makes teams like the Eagles and Chiefs so successful. These organizations have leveraged strong leadership, innovative offenses, stout defenses, and dynamic quarterbacks to stay competitive. By examining their approaches and incorporating similar tactics, the Titans could find the formula that helps them return to Super Bowl glory.

1. Building Around a Dynamic Quarterback

One of the most glaring differences between the Titans and the Eagles or Chiefs is the presence of a franchise quarterback. The Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes, who is widely regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in NFL history. The Eagles have Jalen Hurts, a quarterback who has developed into one of the most versatile and effective signal-callers in the league.

For the Titans, the quarterback situation has been a challenge in recent years. Ryan Tannehill has been solid but isn’t seen as the long-term solution. The Titans have a powerful running game led by Derrick Henry, but the team still needs someone to consistently elevate the offense through the air. The Chiefs and Eagles have managed to sustain success by building around their quarterbacks, and the Titans would be wise to follow their lead.

What the Titans Can Do:

• Invest in the quarterback position: Whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or developing their current quarterbacks, the Titans need to make a concerted effort to secure their long-term answer at quarterback. Mahomes and Hurts didn’t become elite by luck; they were groomed in systems that utilized their strengths. The Titans need a quarterback who can extend plays, make big throws under pressure, and lead the offense downfield when it matters most.
• Create a system that highlights the quarterback’s strengths: Hurts flourished in an offense designed around his mobility, while Mahomes thrives in a creative system that allows him to improvise. Tennessee should explore ways to build an offense that maximizes the unique talents of their quarterback, whether that be through a more dynamic passing attack or by utilizing the quarterback’s athleticism in the running game.

2. Investing in Offensive Line Play

Both the Eagles and the Chiefs have elite offensive lines that allow their quarterbacks to perform at a high level. The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, known for their ability to both protect their quarterback and create lanes for the running game. Similarly, the Chiefs’ offensive line, while not as physically imposing as the Eagles’, has been fundamentally sound, allowing Mahomes time to read defenses and make plays.

For the Titans, their offensive line has been inconsistent over the past few seasons. In 2023, they ranked near the bottom in both pass protection and run blocking efficiency. A solid offensive line is essential to both passing and running the football. Without a strong offensive line, no quarterback, no matter how talented, can consistently succeed, and even a player like Derrick Henry will struggle to find running lanes.

What the Titans Can Do:

• Prioritize offensive line improvements: Similar to the Eagles’ and Chiefs’ strategies, the Titans need to invest in their offensive line. This might involve using high draft picks or significant financial resources on offensive linemen to ensure that the team has a unit capable of giving their quarterback enough time to make plays and opening up running lanes for Derrick Henry. Adding depth and talent on the line is one of the most crucial steps in building a balanced offense.
• Adopt a balanced approach: The Eagles and Chiefs have both shown that a balanced offensive attack is key to success. A strong offensive line is essential in allowing teams to run the ball effectively and giving quarterbacks the protection they need to succeed in passing situations. If the Titans can shore up their offensive line, they can then run the ball and pass effectively, taking a more balanced approach to offense and making their offense less predictable.

3. Dynamic Playcalling and Offensive Innovation

One of the keys to the success of the Eagles and Chiefs is their creative and dynamic offensive playcalling. Eagles’ offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid are known for crafting game plans that maximize their offensive weapons. Whether it’s the Eagles’ use of RPOs (run-pass options) and designed quarterback runs with Jalen Hurts, or the Chiefs’ innovative use of motion, play action, and Mahomes’ ability to improvise, both teams have redefined modern NFL offenses.

The Titans, on the other hand, have relied heavily on a run-first offense with Derrick Henry, and while it has been successful, it’s also become somewhat predictable. A more diversified offense is crucial for Tennessee to contend with high-powered offenses in the league.

What the Titans Can Do:

• Embrace offensive creativity: The Titans should look to implement more diverse playcalling schemes that keep defenses off balance. Integrating RPOs, motion, and even quarterback mobility into the offense could give Tennessee’s attack a much-needed boost. By bringing in an offensive coordinator with a more innovative mindset, they could breathe new life into their offense and make it harder for defenses to predict their moves.
• Maximize player versatility: The Chiefs have used players like Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill (before his departure), and Clyde Edwards-Helaire in creative ways, moving them around the field and keeping defenses guessing. The Titans could look to utilize Derrick Henry and other skill players in more dynamic ways. This could mean utilizing Henry in the passing game, finding ways to get him into space, or developing players who can complement his hard-nosed running style with more speed and agility in the passing attack.

4. Building a Dominant Defense

Both the Eagles and Chiefs have also demonstrated the importance of a dominant defense in the postseason. The Eagles’ defense, in particular, was one of the best in the NFL, with a dominant defensive line led by Hassan Reddick, Fletcher Cox, and others. This pass rush wreaked havoc in Super Bowl LVII, forcing mistakes and disrupting the opposing offense. While the Chiefs’ defense has often been underappreciated, they have grown into a solid, opportunistic unit, with players like Chris Jones dominating the trenches.

For the Titans, defense has long been a point of pride. With stars like Jeffery Simmons, Kevin Byard, and Bud Dupree, Tennessee has the pieces to field a strong defense. However, the Titans need to build around these key players by improving their secondary, especially their pass coverage, and bolstering their pass rush.

What the Titans Can Do:

• Invest in pass rush and secondary play: The Titans need to ensure they have a complete defense, which includes both a dominant pass rush and a secondary that can lock down receivers. Adding talent in the secondary to complement Byard, and ensuring they have a deep defensive line rotation to keep fresh legs on the field, will be crucial to their success.
• Focus on creating turnovers: Both the Eagles and Chiefs excel at creating turnovers and turning them into quick points. The Titans should focus on improving their ability to take the ball away from opposing offenses, whether through interceptions, forced fumbles, or pass deflections. Creating turnovers is a game-changer in the NFL and could give Tennessee’s offense short fields and more opportunities to score.

5. Strong Leadership and Team Culture

Finally, both the Eagles and Chiefs have strong, stable leadership at the helm. Andy Reid in Kansas City and Nick Sirianni in Philadelphia have cultivated winning cultures with strong communication, trust, and unity within the team. These head coaches have established team-first mentalities, keeping their players focused on their roles and their individual growth.

For the Titans, Mike Vrabel is already known as one of the most respected coaches in the NFL. However, there is always room to grow in terms of leadership and team culture. Vrabel must continue to develop a culture that prioritizes consistency, discipline, and accountability.

What the Titans Can Do:

• Cultivate a winning culture: Vrabel must continue building a strong, unified team culture that values hard work, accountability, and consistency. This mindset has been a cornerstone for the Chiefs and Eagles, and if the Titans can establish a similar environment, it will pay dividends on the field.
• Develop leadership across the roster: Beyond the coach, the Titans need to foster leadership at every level of the roster, from the quarterback position to the defensive line. Having multiple players step up as leaders on the field, especially during adversity, is key to long-term success.