NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- We see yards after contact by running backs as a big badge of honor for the back and a big knock on his offensive line.

But broken tackles downfield are a lot different than a runner taking a hit behind the line of scrimmage.

Tennessee Titans running backs Tony Pollard (20) and Tyjae Spears (2) run through drills during training camp at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024.
Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears/ © Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

And at least some Titans are skeptical of the stat. They don’t necessarily expect their backs to get through the line untouched, anticipating they will get through arm tackles and the like.

Bill Callahan loves what Randy Jordan is doing with his running backs, but he doesn’t expect his offensive linemen to create situations where those backs break through the line without a hand on them all the time. And it’s unclear how those measuring “contact” do so. Is contact a hand on a shoulder? Or something with enough force applied to move a ball carrier?

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