The 2018-19 version of the Tennessee Titans will look a little bit different. They have new uniforms and a new head coach. Mike Vrabel, who was a staple of the Patriots defense when they became a dynasty is the new head man for the Titans. He hopes to build off of the success this squad enjoyed last season. The Titans got a road playoff win in Kansas City last year, but the expectations will be higher in the upcoming season. Let’s see if the Titans are ready to be legit players at the table.
1st Down: Will Marcus Mariota finally live up to the hype?
Mariota is now entering his fourth season as the quarterback of the Tennessee Titans, and it is perhaps the biggest of his career. There were immensely high expectations set for the former No. 2 overall pick out of Oregon. However, Mariota has yet to live up to that bill. In fact, he suffered through the worst season of his NFL career in 2017, where he actually threw more interceptions than touchdowns. He did play well in the playoffs though, which gives the team hope heading into the new season. If he can perform in the regular season like he did in the postseason, the Titans could be sneaky contenders in the 2018-19 campaign.
2nd Down: What can we expect from the Titans young receiving corps?
Eric Decker is now with the New England Patriots, but he wasn’t as big a factor as he was earlier in his career. Now it’s time for the young guns to step up for Tennessee at the wide receiver position. The unit is led by Rishard Matthews, who at 28, is the elder statesman of the group. Matthews was very solid last season, hauling in 53 receptions for 795 yards and four touchdowns. In order for this offense to take the next step, the Titans will need their younger receivers to build on their production from a season ago. Corey Davis missed five games due to a hamstring injury, and when he came back, it was an up and down season. However, he did have a couple games that showed flashes of why he was a Top 5 pick. Tajae Sharpe and Taywan Taylor are two other young risers who have big play ability and they will need to display that in 2018.
3rd Down: After several offseason additions, is this defense ready to be one of the league’s best?
The Titans defense was close to the middle of the pack, you could say, last season. They were ranked 7th in run defense, but were 24th against the pass. They were decent, but with some moves they made this offseason, this unit has the potential to be really good or even great. For starters, they brought in a new defensive coordinator in Dean Pees, who actually used to coach Titans head coach Mike Vrabel in New England. After losing one of their starting linebackers Avery Williamson this offseason, they drafted Rashaan Evans out of Alabama, who many believe has a very high ceiling. Another guy they added through the draft is explosive edge rusher Harold Landry from Boston College. He joins an already talented duo of Derrick Morgan and Brian Orakpo. The Titans also added cornerback Malcolm Butler, giving them a strong trio at the position, which already features Adoree’ Jackson and Logan Ryan. Factor in their two leaders defensively, Jurrell Casey and Kevin Byard, and this defense has the potential to be scary.
4th Down: Derrick Henry is a home-run hitter, but is he ready to be the lead back?
DeMarco Murray announced his surprise retirement after last season. The Titans now turn their attention to third-year running back Derrick Henry. Last year, Henry rushed for 744 yards and five scores on 176 carries. He only had two 100-yard games, which both came as a result of late knockout punches. With the reigns now being turned over to him, expect his production to enjoy a boom in 2018. The Titans brought in a change of pace back in Dion Lewis, who was a game-changer in New England. He will have a major impact in the passing game, so still expect Henry to receive the bulk of the carries for this offense.
