The Tennessee Titans made a strategic move this offseason by signing former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard, pairing him with second-year player Tyjae Spears. The team’s new offensive coordinator, Nick Holz, sees the duo as interchangeable, which adds an element of deception to the Titans’ offense.
According to Holz, both Pollard and Spears have versatile skill sets that make them effective pass catchers and runners, capable of executing a variety of schemes. This versatility allows the Titans to keep defenses guessing and eliminates any tendencies based on which running back is on the field.
Pollard’s performance as the lead back in Dallas last season was not as impressive as expected, with a decrease in explosive plays and a career-low yards-per-carry average. On the other hand, Spears showed promise towards the end of the season, especially in the passing game.
While Pollard and Spears may lack size, they bring dual-threat capabilities to the Titans’ backfield, keeping opposing defenses off balance. The shared workload between the two backs should keep them fresh and potentially increase their explosiveness on the field.
The Titans’ decision to pair Pollard and Spears provides the team with flexibility and unpredictability in their ground game, which could prove to be advantageous under the leadership of new head coach Brian Callahan and offensive coordinator Nick Holz.
