This is the year for the Tennessee Titans
Ever since the Tennessee Titans were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2008 AFC Divisional Playoffs, they have been in complete rebuilding mode. Even with a few 8-8 and 9-7 seasons sprinkled in since 2009, the Titans have been one of the hardest teams to watch in the NFL. The players have been second-rate, the coaches have been bad, and fans interest in the team was subpar. However, coming off their best season since 2011, the Titans have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season; and unlike 2011, very few changes have been made to the Titans roster this offseason. In a below average AFC South (consisting of the Titans, Jaguars, Texans and Colts), the Titans have an opportunity to win the division, even if they end the regular season with a 9-7 or 8-8 record. There is a strong possibility that they can win the division for the first time since 2008, and here's why...
Last season, the quarterback-running back duo of Marcus Mariota and DeMarco Murray was one of the best the NFL had to offer. Murray, coming off a real disappointing season with the Eagles, returned to his own self. Rushing for almost 1,300 yards and 9 touchdowns, while adding another 377 and 3 TDs receiving. Buying into offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie's system from the start. Mariota had the "best season of football [he] has ever played." Throwing for 3,426 yards and 26 touchdowns, Mariota finished with almost a 3:1 touchdown to interception ratio, before breaking his leg in week 15. He is more eager than ever to see the field, and do not be surprised if he were to be an MVP candidate come the end of the season.
Along with the rushing game of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry, Mariota has very solid receivers lining up with him. Mariota's favorite two receivers last year, TE Delanie Walker and WR Rishard Matthews had a combined 16 touchdowns and 1,745 yards. Making up almost 50% of all receiving yards by the Titans in 2016. Tennessee also drafted arguably the best wide receiver in the draft, Corey Davis. Davis had a tremendous career at Western Michigan, going for 5,278 yards and 52 touchdowns (including 19 last season). Protecting Mariota is one of the top offensive lines in the league. Only allowing 28 sacks last year, ended up 9th in the league.
Nick Eason's defensive line, also had an great season last year, and is expected to even have a better one this year. The Titans defensive line had 40 sacks last year, good for 6th in the NFL. 19.5 of those sacks came from two men: Brian Orakpo (10.5) and Derrick Morgan (9.0). On the outskirts of the defense sit the cornerbacks, the biggest question mark on Dick LeBeau's defense. However, it is not a major, red-alert, SOS problem. With the free agency signing of Logan Ryan from New England and the selection of Adoree' Jackson, the Titans have a very average cornerback core. With the type of receivers and quarterbacks that the AFC South (and most of the Titans' schedule) has to offer, Tennessee can deal for at least another year with this type of cornerback core.
This is the Titans year. They are aimed to fulfill Smashville's (in honor of the Stanley Cup) expectations. It can arguably be said that Titan fans are the most excited they have been since the Vince Young led Titans made it to the playoffs in 2008. They have a lot to look forward to, from Mariota to Murray to the offensive and defensive line, this is the year for the Tennessee Titans.
