The Tennessee Titans’ run of six consecutive seasons with a winning record finally came to an end in 2022, but it didn’t happen without a fight. The 2021 top seed in the AFC started off 0-2 but rebounded with 7 wins over their next 8 games and felt like a sure thing to make the playoffs for the fourth season in a row. But the dreaded injury bug caught the Titans down the stretch. They lost most of their starters on defense and Ryan Tannehill was only able to play 12 games, meaning Malik Willis was pushed into the spotlight earlier than the team would have liked.
The next 7 games were hell for the Titans. They competed like only a Mike Vrabel led squad can, but lost every game, finishing with a 7-10 record. The fact the Titans competed throughout, even with a completely makeshift defense, is a testament to Vrabel and the coaching staff, as well as the attitude of the players. But despite the coaching staff, things will be tough in 2023. The Titans lost free agents David Long, Nate Davis, and DeMarcus Walker in the summer and as a result, the team is lacking some talent in certain areas: especially on the offensive line.
There are some familiar faces returning this season, but the Titans are a team full of question marks heading into the 2023 season.
Offense
Most of the questions and worries lie on the offense. The Titans reportedly shopped Ryan Tannehill around this summer but couldn’t find a suitor before deciding to run things back for another year. That’s not a terrible choice. Tannehill wasn’t at his best in 2022 but has been one of the league’s most efficient passers since joining the team in 2019. He’s now in the last year of his contract, and having traded up to draft Will Levis in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft, it’s clear the Titans have a plan moving forward, and it probably doesn’t involve the veteran QB.
For now, though, this is Tannehill’s offense. To an extent. The Titans are still one of the run-heaviest teams in the NFL, and as long as Derrick Henry is on the field, the ball is getting handed off to him. But Henry is now 29 and has led the league in carries in three of the last four seasons. His touch count is insane, and at some point, the wear and tear has to set in. It’ll be hard to move the ball behind this offensive line as it might be the worst in the league.
The Titans added to the passing game, surprising everyone by giving a 2-year, $26 million contract to DeAndre Hopkins despite interest from teams elsewhere. It’s a coup for the Titans, even if Hopkins has lost a step or two. Pairing him with two complementary receivers like Treylon Burks and Chigoziem Okonkwo is at least something to give the Titans faithful a bit of hope.
One to watch: Treylon Burks
Defense
Losing the majority of your defense would ruin most teams, but the Titans were still competitive in 2022. They had the best rush defense in EPA and success rate, relying on their defensive front to swallow offensive lines whole. The defensive line could be even better in 2023. Harold Landry missed the entire season with a torn ACL after a career year in 2021. He’ll give the Titans another pass-rushing element off the edge, along with free agent signing Arden Key, and Rashad Weaver. Add in Jeffery Simmons and Denico Autry on the interior and it’s fair to say this line is just stacked.
The secondary however has a few more question marks. The safety duo of Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker can still play, even if Byard has slowed down. Kristian Fulton and Roger McCreary both are in line for strong seasons. But beyond that, the questions start to pop up. Sean Murphy-Bunting is slated to start outside after joining the Titans in the offseason. He could be a solid addition but was also fairly streaky in his time in Tampa Bay. The Titans 2021 first-round pick Caleb Farley, who’s played in just 12 games so far in his career, started the season on the PUP list and might not be seen for some time. That’ll hurt.
But even with a shaky secondary, the AFC South could be one of the weaker divisions in the NFL this season. The Texans are far from done with their rebuild, and the Colts have a highly talented, albeit raw, rookie QB to go along with a non-existent run game in the wake of the Jonathan Taylor hold out. Meaning that despite their on-paper shortcomings, Tennessee could be in the mix for the division crown with Jacksonville for longer than some may think.
One to watch: Roger McCreary
-Thomas Valentine
Twitter: @tvalentinesport
Photo: Tennessee Titans. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.