Tennessee Titans Training Camp Preview
The Tennessee Titans were a laughingstock a couple of seasons ago. Last season they went 9-7 and took a major step forward. This season, some experts think the Titans could take their game to the next level and win the AFC South.
It is possible in a season or two, they could be serious championship contenders. It all starts with quarterback Marcus Mariota. He is becoming one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in a hurry.
What makes him so good is his redzone consistency. Matt Cassel will be the backup. Alex Tanney and Tyler Ferguson will compete for the third quarterback spot.
DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry could be one of the best running back duos in the NFL this season. This is what makes the Titans offense very dangerous. It will be interesting who will be the third running back after that. David Fluellen, Khalfani Muhammad, and Akeem Judd will compete for the third and fourth spots on the roster.
Tennessee upgraded its wide receiving core. Rookie Corey Davis, Eric Decker, and Rishard Matthews will be the top three receivers on the team. Taywan Taylor, Tajae Sharpe, and Eric Weems will be the other receivers that make the roster over Harry Douglas and Tre McBride.
Other than Delanie Walker, the Titans might have found another gem at tight end in Jonnu Smith. The third tight end spot will either go to Jace Amaro or Phillip Supernaw.
The Titans had one of the best offensive lines in the NFL last season. The starters on the line will be Taylor Lewan, Quinton Spain, Ben Jones, Josh Kline, and Jack Conklin.
DaQuan Jones, Sylvester Williams, and Jurrell Casey will be the starters on the defensive line. Karl Klug will see a lot of time on the field this season as well.
The linebacking core is very underrated. Derrick Morgan, Wesley Woodyard, Avery Williamson, and Brian Orakpo will be the starters. Expect Kevin Dodd and rookie Jayon Brown to see time at linebacker as well this season.
The secondary is still a weak point on this Titans defense. Logan Ryan, Da'Norris Searcy, and Jonathan Cyprien will start in the secondary. The battle for the other starting corner will be between LeShaun Sims and rookie Adoree Jackson. I expect Jackson to win the job, but Sims will be a possible key part in the secondary.
Kevin Byard will also play a major role in the secondary this season. He has the potential to break out. Ryan Succop will be the Titans kicker. Brett Kern will be the Titans punter. Eric Weems will be the team's kick and punt returner.
As long as the Titans win games in the division and not take a step back, they will be a fun team to watch in 2017.
