One of the most pleasant surprises through the first two weeks of the Tennessee Titans’ season has been the impressive play of right tackle Chris Hubbard.
The decision to go with Hubbard over other offensive tackle options (namely George Fant) was widely criticized at the time — and for good reason since the veteran only played a combined 78 snaps since the start of 2021.
Buy Titans TicketsPenciling the veteran tackle in as the starter following Nicholas Petit-Frere’s suspension and Jamarco Jones’ release was a massive risk.
However, through two games, Hubbard has emphatically quieted his critics, allowing just one quarterback hurry and zero quarterback hits or sacks en route to a respectable grade of 74.2, per Pro Football Focus.
He’s also tied for the second-highest pass-block win rate among tackles in the NFL at 97 percent, according to ESPN Analytics.
While Hubbard has undoubtedly exceeded expectations, perhaps his most difficult battle of the entire campaign awaits him and the Titans’ offensive line on Sunday when the group faces Myles Garrett.
The Texas A&M product is the definition of a generational talent along the edge who is capable of lining up anywhere (even at inside linebacker) while also being able to win in a plethora of different ways.
Great view of Myles Garrett crossover dribble 😓
My goodness. pic.twitter.com/zqThJBxpu0
— daniel mitchell (@yeah_mitch) September 11, 2023
Garrett is not only strong enough to move an offensive lineman wherever he wants them to go, but he’s also fast and flexible enough to bend around the edge in order to beat an offensive tackle with his speed.
Simply put, No. 95 is a real problem that Tennessee must have an answer for, otherwise it could be a long day for the Titans’ offense.
Hubbard has some experience with lining up across from Garrett, as the two played together from 2018-2022. The Titans’ right tackle spoke about the mammoth task at hand that awaits him on Sunday and how he’s going to impart what knowledge he can from his time with the stud edge rusher.
“I’ve practiced against him everyday (when in Cleveland), so I know what to expect,” said Hubbard, per Paul Kuharsky. “I’m going to let my teammates know what to expect and what I’ve learned from watching him every single day in practice, so it’s going to be pretty fun.”
Hubbard was then asked to elaborate on how different Garrett is from the other defenders he’s faced this year.
“He’s explosive, man,” the UAB product stated. “He’s quick off the ball, fast, very smart, and he’s strong, too. He’s agile, he has a lot of different intangibles that go with him, and he plays at a high level.”
Chris Hubbard has intimate knowledge of Myles Garrett from time with the #Browns. #Titans pic.twitter.com/A4jIa6WNqo
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) September 20, 2023
One thing is for certain: if Hubbard continues to hold his own against one of the best edge rushers in the game come Sunday, it’s going to go a long way toward making his case for being the team’s starting right tackle for the rest of the 2023 season.
