The Tennessee Titans' defense is getting back a key piece this season with edge rusher Harold Landry. Landry tore his ACL prior to the start of the 2022 regular season and missed the entire. Landry returned to the field for the first time since the injury on Friday night against the New England Patriots.
Landry played 12 total snaps for the Titans. He looked just like the player he was prior to the injury. That would support the reports we've gotten out of training camp that say Landry has put the injury behind him. That is represented further by the fact that Landry isn't even wearing a brace on his surgically repaired knee.
After the return, head coach Mike Vrabel gave an assessment of what he saw from Landry and what he needs to continue to improve at.
"It was good to see him back out there," Vrabel said. "Did some things. He's got to focus on some pad level and didn't have a ton of opportunities, but played hard. I thought he had some good speed. Got him in different spots — dropping, edge of the line of scrimmage. I thought that was good just to get him back out there."
Vrabel, as is his way, was sure to get a criticism in there, but overall gave a very good review of Landry's return. Pro Football Focus agreed with Vrabel's assessment as Landry, giving Landry the fifth-best grade of any Titans' defender at a 75.5.
Landry's versatility is key for the Titans as he has the ability to rotate between a hand-in-the-dirt edge rusher and an off-ball linebacker. The Titans can seamlessly transition between multiple looks with Landry as the fulcrum.
With that importance, the Titans are certainly happy to see Landry back out there. One thing we know for sure is his coach was pleased.
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