Arden Key assuming a crucial position as the young Titans OLB room’s leader

One of the most significant Tennessee Titans players going into 2024 is Arden Key.
Going into the 2024 season, one of the defense’s most crucial players is outside linebacker Arden Key of the Tennessee Titans. According to Pro Football Reference, the former LSU Tigers standout played 728 snaps for the team in the previous season, which accounted for 63.25% of all defensive plays. It would be surprising if Key did not experience a noticeable increase in workload in light of Denico Autry’s departure and the lack of a like-for-like successor.

Last season, Key recorded 40 quarterback pressures in addition to 7.0 sacks. Pro Football Focus graded him with a 73.0 pass-rushing rating. Key increased his defensive totals by 17 stops and 29 hurries.

Last season, Key recorded 40 quarterback pressures in addition to 7.0 sacks. Pro Football Focus graded him with a 73.0 pass-rushing rating. Key increased his defensive totals by 17 stops and 29 hurries.

Now, Key is without a doubt the team’s second-best edge defender, behind Harold Landry III. Compared to Key, Rashad Weaver is by far the third-best player in the position group. It’s also difficult to see Thomas Rush, Caleb Murphy, or Jaylen Harrell getting significant snaps.
With Autry’s exit, Key became the most seasoned and senior player present. That propels him into a position of leadership. Key’s readiness to take on more responsibilities has impressed Ben Bloom, the new outside linebackers coach.

“Arden [Key] has been phenomenal to work with,” Bloom said during the final OTA practice of the summer. “He’s a veteran in our room. We have a young group and he’s our veteran. He’s been in the league [for] a long time and he’s seen a lot. His energy on the field is contagious. It’s awesome. We’re blessed to have that kind of juice around. What you guys [the media] might not see, and I see it every day, I’m standing at the front of the meeting room with the outside linebackers and it’s his professionalism in the meeting room. He’s dialed in and taking notes. He asks good questions and coaches up the other players. He shares his knowledge. It’s real leadership,” Bloom concluded.

Coach Bloom’s endorsement is quite strong. With the addition of Ran Carthon to the lineup, Key will have the chance to have his best season to date in 2024. Early signs point to Key becoming ready to assist in leading Dennard Wilson’s defense. It seems possible that we could have a double-digit bag season.