When the Tennessee Titans took the field Monday night, they were missing veteran CB Chidobe Awuzie, who was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. This was a huge question mark for some, but rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. stepped in, and the defense didn’t miss a beat.
Not only did Brownlee play well, but the fifth-round pick out of Louisville was outstanding and appeared to be a potential late-round steal. Sure, this performance was against a Miami team that is extremely limited offensively without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but Brownlee held his own against one of the most dynamic receiving corps in the NFL.
Brownlee not only passed the eye test in his first start, those outside the organization acknowledged the same thing. After the game, Pro Football Focus gave Brownlee the fifth-highest overall grade for the Titans (82.3) and an impressive 79.2 in 27 coverage snaps. In coverage, the feisty cornerback allowed three receptions for nine yards and was credited with four tackles overall.
Jarvis Brownlee Jr. among CBs in Week 4:
82.3 PFF grade (5th)
— PFF TEN Titans (@PFF_Titans) October 3, 2024
With Awuzie on the shelf for an unknown period, the Titans appear set opposite L’Jarius Sneed. Brownlee Jr. proved he belongs and should only get better as the season moves on. He will likely get his second start when the Titans return to action in Week 6 versus the Indianapolis Colts.