The Top 10 Most Important Titans Of 2016
By Patrick Stewart (@stewartfzn)
The 2016 Tennessee Titans currently control their own destiny in the race for the AFC South division title and a berth in the NFL Playoffs. With a win at Jacksonville this week (likely, but not a given) and another the following week at home against the Texans, the Titans will be part of the NFL's postseason tournament for the first time since 2008.
Many individuals played a part in the team's resurgence from a 3-13 season in 2015. In this article, I am going to list my top 10 most important players of the 2016 season.
#10 - Ryan Succop, K
A perfect 15 of 15 from under 50 yards, Succop dug deep and came up with one of the biggest field goals in Titans history on Sunday in Kansas City. His 53-yard make in frigid conditions kept the Titans in 1st place in the AFC South and on the brink of a playoff birth. He is a reliable and accurate kicker that the coaching staff can count on.
#9 - Avery Williamson
As Jim Wyatt tweeted earlier today, Williamson is one of just 8 NFL linebackers with 90 plus tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 int. He provides the defense with energy and has been a tackling machine in 2016. He is currently tied for 12th in the AFC in combined tackles.
#8 - Jack Conklin, RT
Conklin has been everything the Titans dreamed of when they made him their 1st round draft pick in 2016. He has received praise throughout the league in his rookie season and was named a Pro Bowl alternate. The future is very bright for the young RT from Michigan State, as he has helped the Titans offensive line go from a question mark to a force this season.
#7 DeMarco Murray, RB
Murray reestablished himself as one of the league's top running backs in 2016. He currently ranks 2nd in the league with 1,224 rushing yards. He has also put in 9 scores on the ground and has added 50 receptions for 361 yards. He impact on the Titans reminds me a lot of what Marshall Faulk did for the "Greatest Show On Turf" Rams and he would rank higher on this list of most important Titans if not for the strong work of his backup, rookie Derrick Henry.
#6 Delanie Walker, TE
Walker continues to be the Titans top receiving threat in 2016. He leads the team with 57 catches for 742 yards and six touchdowns. More than a safety valve for Marcus Mariota, Walker is a premier downfield threat who catches nearly everything thrown his way.
#5 Derrick Morgan, OLB
A fast and powerful linebacker, Morgan might be the most complete player on the Tennessee defense. He doesn't get as much national publicity as he might deserve, but opposing coaches know they must gameplan for him. Currently has 9 sacks, which ranks him at #12 in the NFL.
#4 Brian Orakpo, OLB
Named to the Pro Bowl last night, Orakpo has been a pass rush demon for the Titans in 2016. The 30-year old veteran currently ranks 5th in the NFL with 11 sacks. He has a penchant for big plays in big moments and has done a remarkable job in leading the defense back to respectability as its captain.
#3 Jurrell Casey, DT
A beast on the defensive line, Casey plays multiple positions and wrecks havoc on offensive lines. Named again to the Pro Bowl this year, he has led the Titans to the league's #7 rushing defense. A nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators to navigate around, Casey is probably one of the top 10 defensive players in the NFL at this current time.
#2 Taylor Lewan, LT
A big man with a short fuse, Lewan was named to his first Pro Bowl this season. He has led the Titans offensive line, blowing open holes for the running backs and providing excellent blind-side protection for Mariota. Lewan also seems to be learning from some of his hot-head mistakes from the past and has had moments of maturity in the second half of the season. He is still a young player, who paired with Conklin gives the Titans bookend tackles for years to come.
#1 Marcus Mariota, QB
The progression of Mariota in the second half of this season is the biggest reason for their 8-6 record. Time and time again he has led the Titans on important drives to clinch victories. He is still young and prone to turnovers, but is starting to earn the trust of his teammates and the eyes of the rest of the league. Named a Pro Bowl alternate, the Titans playoff fate over the next two weeks is in his hands. I expect him to continue his stellar play.
Thanks for reading! #TitanUp
