Lewis has been Mr. Consistency for Titans
As the Titans season reaches its midpoint, the casual fan might be surprised at who has emerged as the team’s most consistent offensive performer.
Running back Dion Lewis was not well known by many fans before the start of the season. Signed as a free agent to a four-year, $20 million contract in the offseason, Lewis has has been Mr. Consistency and had another strong performance against Dallas on “Monday Night Football” in the Titans’ 28-14 victory over the Cowboys.
Lewis rushed for a team-high 19 carries and 62 yards. He also caught four passes for 60 yards, including an 18yard touchdown.
Through eight games, Lewis has a team-high 92 rushes for 339 yards. He has also caught 33 passes for 259 yards. He has two TDs.
“My job is to go out there and make plays, protect the ball and make plays for this offense,” he said. “We’re a good team. I try to do a little too much at times, but I think I did OK. I still have a lot of room to improve to help this team be where we want to be.”
Lewis’ 18-yard TD on a screen pass gave the Titans their first lead.
“It was a good call at the right time,” Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel said. “All those plays, man, they’re all execution. It’s all about the players. The players are able to get out and get on a second level. Rushers up the field. Deliver the ball where the runner can run after the catch and then get some blocks and then somebody making a move with the ball. That’s what it comes down to.”
Meanwhile, the other expected offensive stars have struggled with con- sistency or injuries this season.
Tight end Delanie Walker was injured in the season-opening game and will not return this season.
Quarterback Marcus Mariota was injured in the opener, missed the second game and has struggled with nerve damage in his right elbow. He has thrown for 1,270 yards and has as many TD passes (five) as he does interceptions.
Wide receiver Corey Davis had a huge game against Philadelphia when he caught nine passes for 161 yards, including the winning TD in overtime. However, Davis has not had more than six receptions or more than 62 receiving yards in any of the other seven games.
Running back Derrick Henry has 300 rushing yards and just eight receptions. The third-year running back has not rushed for more than 57 yards in any game.