The Tennessee Titans pulled off one of the most improbable wins in recent NFL memory against the Miami Dolphins and while most of the shine will go to Will Levis and the offense, the defense deserves a ton of credit for a five-sack performance. Three of those came from Harold Landry, who was recognized on Wednesday.
Landry was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after setting his career high for sacks in a game. Along with those three sacks, Landry had five QB hits and five tackles. Landry also made the game-winning sack to end things. A tremendous showing from Landry, who has been playing excellent football as of late.
Landry struggled early in the season as he tried to return from missing the entire 2022 season with an ACL tear. He didn't quite have the quickness and bend that Landry built his career on. Landry also drops back in coverage as well as rushing the passer and just didn't seem to have full control in space prior to the bye week.
Things have since flipped for Landry in the best way. Since the bye in Week 7, Landry has seven sacks and 27 pressures. Prior he only had two sacks and four pressures. As is common, the further we get away from Landry's injury, the better he starts to look.
The Titans need it also. Landry signed a five year, $85 million contract prior to the 2022 season and with cap hits over $20 million in the coming years, seeing Landry return to form has to be a major relief for the Titans' roster builders.
Landry had 12.5 sacks in 2021 that led to him getting his big deal. Landry getting back to his double-digit sack ways is a great sign for the Titans in the future, but also in the now. With Jeffery Simmons out at least one more week, Landry will be tasked with being the team's primary pass rusher. So far, he's living up to it.
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