NFL training camps are winding down and the preseason is in full force. So what do we expect from the Tennessee Titans in 2017?
It’s safe to say we’re not shy when it comes to getting you ready for the upcoming NFL season. Since March, we have strung together four different series in preparation for the fall. We have looked at all 32 teams’ most improved area. That was preceded by pieces on a club’s best offseason addition, some facts, figures and feats for each squad, as well as an up-and-coming player for each roster.
So call this one for the thumb. With the regular-season rapidly approaching, we’ll take a look at what we could expect from each team. Every team wants to win the Super Bowl. However, 31 teams will obviously be disappointed. So we have been taking a look at all 32 clubs (in original 2017 draft order) and doing a little analysis. You can play catch up right here. So what are we really expecting from the Tennessee Titans in 2017?
After winning a total of five games in the course of two seasons, the Tennessee Titans awoke this past season and finished with a 9-7 record. And very predictably, they’ve become a very vogue pick to dethrone the Houston Texans in the AFC South. It would be a big step for the franchise, which hasn’t reached the postseason since 2008.
The team has become stacked with young talent. General manager Jon Robinson has fared well in the draft and also done a good job of weeding out players who didn’t live up to expectations. Quarterback Marcus Mariota is ready to go after breaking his leg in Week 16 a year ago. He has targets such as wideout Rishard Matthews, tight end Delanie Walker and 2017 fifth overall pick Corey Davis at wide receiver. Led by a surging offensive line, running back DeMarco Murray finished third in the NFL in rushing in 2016.
Head coach Mike Mularkey know he needs to get better play from the other side of the football. It’s a team with a talented pass rush in outside linebackers Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan. The club recently added Erik Walden, who comes off an 11-sack season with the rival Indianapolis Colts. The Titans are also helping veteran free agents such as cornerback Logan Ryan (New England Patriots) and safety Johnathan Cyprien (Jacksonville Jaguars) can help a team that allowed the third-most passing yards in the NFL a year ago.
Summation:
Built back up in the trenches, there’s a reason a lot of people are high on this team this fall. The offensive front is imposing, led by tackles Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin. Murray looks as effective as ever and Mariota improved from his rookie campaign. The defense still has a few issues, but the upgrades in the secondary should help. Mularkey’s club and Dick LeBeau’s defense needs to do better when it comes to the takeaways (18 in 2016).
Most importantly, the Titans have to find a way to beat their divisional rivals on a consistent basis. We expect that to happen and look for the franchise to end its long playoff drought.
Russell S. Baxter is the NFL lead columnist for EndZoneScore.com and the founder of ProFootballGuru.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BaxFootballGuru.
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