NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The best offensive lines in football typically list continuity as a top ingredient in their success.

A lack of continuity is something the Titans point to as a reason their group has not played close to expectations, though the interior three guys have played 17 games together and 14 in a row.

Linemen traditionally bond in a way that extends beyond the field, perhaps in a way unlike at other positions.

Rookie Taylor Lewan says his linemates have been accepting of his 'bigger personality.' Don McPeak/USA TODAY Sports

“We lost Michael Roos who was the oldest guy in the room, so we more or less had to restructure everything friendship wise, so I think we are doing a lot better,” center Brian Schwenke said. “The past three games on the field I think how we’ve been getting along has been phenomenal.

“Us being friends, it’s probably the most important thing for any position group on the field. If I need to tell Chance [Warmack] that he needs to do something and I can’t just talk to him as a friend, he’s going to feel I’m stepping on his toes or coming at him and telling him he sucks or something like that, when really all I’m trying to do is get everyone on the right page.

“So because you have that rapport, with the guys on the line you can talk about stuff. You can say, 'Hey, we need to get this done, whether it’s because of me or because of you, it needs to get done.'”

The group has a weekly dinner. It got shifted from Friday evenings to Thursdays to make it easier for everyone to attend. The most recent gathering was at The Farm House in Nashville.

It would be tough for the Titans to get good as a line without liking each other, first-round pick Taylor Lewan said.

“You want to work as a cohesive unit, you’re like a team within a team,” he said. “That’s hard when personalities clash, but I think we’re doing a good job of sticking together and staying as a tight-knit group.”

The group has diverse personalities, as many position groups on many teams do. Lewan stepped in for Roos when he suffered a season-ending knee injury. The rookie can be brash. At the other end is right tackle Michael Oher, who can be surly.

I’m not sure how well they all get along, but in talking to them about it I didn’t sense there was any issue. It’s clear they are working at it and feel it’s important.

“You can always be closer,” Lewan said. “But we’re a close group of guys. We get on each other like brothers, at the same time we pat you on the back when you’re a little down.

“These older guys know that I respect them. Yeah, I’ve got a bigger personality and I spout off here and there. Btu they know my words in certain situations are harmless. They know that I respect them and I would do anything for them, and they’ve kind of given me the leniency to be myself as a person, so it’s awesome.”