Titans: Derrick Henry, Dion Lewis both starters; offense 'all starts with our run game'

Jason Wolf | The Tennessean

In many respects, the Titans’ offense under coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur will change from the “exotic smashmouth” scheme implemented by their predecessors, Mike Mularkey and Terry Robiskie.

But one fundamental tenet remains constant.

“First of all, it really all starts with our run game and having plays that play off our run game,” LaFleur said Tuesday before the Titans’ voluntary offseason practice. “I think that’s how we’re going to try to have a strong marriage between the run and the pass, so that to a defense it might look like, ‘Oh, here comes another run,’ and it’s a play-action pass off that run or whatnot.

“But I think also, when you talk about identity, to me, identity is ‘What do we see when we turn on the film?’ And I want our identity to be 11 guys playing extremely hard, playing fast and aggressive, and just like you’ve heard Vrabes say – know what to do and play fast and aggressive. And that’s what we want to see when we cut on the tape.”

The Titans moved on from DeMarco Murray this offseason and will rely on bruising Heisman Trophy-winning running back Derrick Henry and veteran former Patriots running back Dion Lewis, who signed with the team in March.

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Henry appears likely to serve on early downs and in short-yardage situations, and Lewis as a receiving threat out of the backfield. But they could be interchangeable.

“Until you get the pads on and really get going through preseason, I look at them both as 1A and 1B,” LaFleur said. “I feel confident in both of those guys. They both bring a little bit different qualities to what they do. But I think we’ve got two really good backs that we’re excited about.”

Henry, speaking at the Tennessean Sports Awards last weekend, said he and Lewis complement each other well and plan to finish as the top two running backs in the NFL this season.

Marcus Mariota also will remain a threat to run the ball, as the team looks to fully capitalize on his skill-set.

Kevin Dodd not practicing; Taylor Lewan, Corey Davis back soon

Outside linebacker Kevin Dodd has not been at any of the team’s voluntary offseason practices, Vrabel said.

Left tackle Taylor Lewan and wide receiver Corey Davis were among the players not seen at Tuesday’s practice, but both are expected back soon, Vrabel said.

Tight end Phillip Supernaw, defensive end David King and wide receiver Michael Campanaro also were not seen.

Players who were on the field but not full participants included wide receiver Rishard Matthews and offensive tackles Jack Conklin and Dennis Kelly.

Titans in the community

The Titans hosted nearly 300 high school coaches from around the state for a clinic, which included splitting into groups with position coaches. It’s the third consecutive year they’ve hosted the event.

On Monday, the team helped pack 2,000 diaper bags during the annual Titan Up for Tots community baby shower, a partnership with United Way of Metropolitan Nashville that helps at-risk mothers.

Linebacker Wesley Woodyard also was honored as the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.

Reach Jason Wolf at jwolf@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter @JasonWolf and on Instagram and Snapchat at TitansBeat.