The Tennessee Titans have decided to go with yet another left tackle in Week 12, with the team set to start rookie Jaelyn Duncan at the position against the Carolina Panthers.
This is the right move for Tennessee when you consider their other option was veteran Andre Dillard, who has been a total disaster this season. Also, Duncan at least has a chance to be part of the team’s long-term plans, something Dillard absolutely does not.
Duncan has played just 28 snaps on offense this season, with 25 of them coming at right tackle last week after veteran Chris Hubbard exited early because of injury.
The Maryland product previously played three snaps at left tackle against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his 28 snaps, Duncan hasn’t allowed a pressure or sack and has garnered an impressive pass-blocking grade of 80.9, per Pro Football Focus.
“I am really excited — it’s my first start as a rookie,” Duncan said after head coach Mike Vrabel made it official, per Jim Wyatt. “I just want to go out there, with no MAs (missed assignments), and go out there and play football.”
While he’s obviously taking on a different role this week after being a backup over the first 10 games, Duncan said he’s always taken the approach of preparing to be a starter, so things are no different ahead of his first start.
“They just told me to come in here every day and prepare like a starter — make sure you take a lot of notes, and make sure you take care of your body,” he said. “I have just been getting ready, preparing like I’ve always been, like I’m a starter, and I am starting now. I am just going to go out there and play ball, try not to overthink things, not get in my head about anything, and just ball out.”
Duncan has no doubt been impressive in a small sample size, but in reality he’s a total wild card until he gets through a full game’s worth of snaps.
If he struggles, it’ll be back to the drawing board at left tackle. But if Duncan proves he’s capable of handling the position in Week 12 and over the rest of the season, the Titans might be able to cross a major need off their list for 2024.
