Titans’ Mike Vrabel: Ola Adeniyi is earning more opportunities on defense

In the overtime period against the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Ola Adeniyi chased quarterback Russell Wilson into the end zone and notched his first career sack, which was a huge play in the 33-30 victory.

While it should have been a safety, officials ruled Wilson down at the one-yard line. Regardless, what a way for Adeniyi to earn his first sack in the NFL.

Facing a fourth-and-long, the Seahawks punted the ball back to the Titans, who marched down the field for the game-winning field goal.

During Wednesday’s presser, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged Adeniyi’s strong play — something we also saw in the preseason —  and hinted it could lead to more defensive snaps.

“He plays extremely hard [and] takes advantage of the opportunities that he had,” Vrabel said. “So, like we always say, that earns more opportunities.”

The undrafted free agent out of Toledo originally signed with the Steelers in 2018, making just one start in 32 career games.

But even in a limited role with Pittsburgh, Adeniyi made the most of his opportunities, forcing three fumbles and racking up a combined 25 tackles, including one for loss.

“You know, when I got here, they basically told us [to] create a role for yourself,” Adeniyi said after practice on Wednesday. “I came out here everyday, whether it be pass rush, and I felt like I did enough to stand out in that area a little bit. And just getting that opportunity to go out there on Sunday and show them what I can do. [I] ended up getting a sack. I’m happy, and we got the win.”

The 24-year-old has primarily been a special teams player through his first three seasons while battling through a number of injuries. In 2018, Adeniyi landed on Injured Reserve with a hamstring issue, and he suffered a torn meniscus in August 2019.

He’s played in 11 defensive snaps this season, including three against the Seahawks last week. As noted, he makes his presence felt in limited action. It will be interesting to see how Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen incorporates Adeniyi into the defensive schemes as the season unfolds.

But if you ask him, Adeniyi is still fine-tuning his skills in the role that has gotten him to this point.

“Honestly, I’m more focused on my special teams aspect of play right now,” the Titans linebacker admitted. “I feel like I got to step it up a little more and do more in that aspect. We got to get our kick return going — our kick return and punt return game going. We got to keep our returners safe back there, so I feel like I got to step that part of my game up first.”

Billed as just a special teamer upon coming to Nashville, Adeniyi is flashing enough in the pass-rush to garner more looks on defense.