Five Offensive Plays that Worked for the 2008 Tennessee Titans

A. Enslen Butler

Contributor Written on May 25, 2009

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NASHVILLE,TN - DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Kerry Collins #5 of the Tennessee Titans gets ready for the hike during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 21, 2008 at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

(Photo by: Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Some plays put the exclamation point on blowouts. Some plays set the tone for a game. Some plays are critical to a win.

The 2008 season for the Tennessee Titans saw a run-first team that looked for their opportunities in the passing game. The Titans finished seventh in rushing with 137.4 yards a game, but finished 27th in passing yards (176.2). But you need to go beyond the numbers to find out what works in certain situations.

This slideshow takes a look at five plays that either happened in key moments or best illustrate the strengths of the Tennessee offense.

A simple toss play to Chris Johnson

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 19: Running back Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans carries the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 19, 2008 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Leading 10-0 late in the second quarter in Kansas City, a toss play for Chris Johnson netted a 24-yard gain. The play gave the Titans a first-and-goal from the 6-yard line at the 2-minute warning. Lendale White scored before halftime giving the Titans a 17-0 lead. Tennessee cruised to a 34-10 win, rushing for 332 yards.

LenDale White Between The Tackles

GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 28: LenDale White #25 of the Tenessee Titans runs for yardage against the Green Bay Packers on August 28, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Titans defeated the Packers 23-21. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Running in a two tight-end set, White got a big 54-yard gain late in the 2nd quarter of the game against Green Bay. When he breaks through the front 7, he will be tough for most defensive backs to bring down. This run led to a Chris Johnson touchdown and gave Tennessee a 13-10 halftime lead. The Titans won the game 19-16 in overtime.

Chris Johnson catching the ball out of the backfield

GREEN BAY, WI - AUGUST 28: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tenessee Titans runs against Tramon Williams #38 of the Green Bay Packers on August 28, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Kerry Collins hits Chris Johnson in the middle of zone coverage. When the offensive is in the shotgun, it is a safe pass play. You can simply give the ball to the fastest player on the team and see if he can make a big play. Tennessee used this on a third and six play in overtime against Green Bay. The pass to Johnson gave Tennessee enough for convert a third down on the first drive in overtime.

Kerry Collins throwing downfield to Justin Gage

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 21: Justin Gage #12 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their game on December 21, 2008 at LP Field in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

In the game against Pittsburgh, Tennessee used a three-wide receiver shotgun formation to attack the Steelers defense. Collins found Gage over the middle for a 34-yard TD. Gage split safeties Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu to complete the catch to put the Titans ahead 10-0 in the second quarter. Tennessee went on to beat Pittsburgh 31-14.

Kerry Collins hits Justin Gage on a slant

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 09: Kerry Collins #5 of the Tennessee Titans rolls out to pass against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 9, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. The Titans won 21-14. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

This red-zone play had two tight ends with Chris Johnson in the backfield. Collins connects on a slant to Justin Gage in the red zone. One example: On the road against Chicago, Collins hit a 12-yard slant to Justin Gage for a touchdown. Tennessee took a 14-7 lead in the third quarter and won the game 21-14.

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written on May 25, 2009 Rankings/List

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