By Jack McNicholas

May 15, 2020

There has only been four times in NFL history that a team has reached the conference championship games as the sixth seed in the playoffs. After 2019 the Tennessee Titans put themselves on this list. Last year Tannehill was able to start ten games for the team. The Titans are now on that list. Ryan Tannehill took over at the helm week seven. When the quarterback change took place, the team was struggling; posting a 2-4 record before Tannehill. Tennessee after week six had a nine percent probability to make the playoffs. Fast forward to the last week of the season and the team had made their push to the sixth seed in the playoffs.

How will that affect this season? When week one rolls around, all teams will be looking to compete for the ultimate goal. The Titans being only one game away from the Super Bowl last year has put a target on them in 2020. Several teams will look at this past season as a fluke, but the Titans have arguably the most talented roster in their division. With depth and talent on both sides of the ball, the Titans can make a big splash in 2020 to win the AFC South Crown. The team kicks off the 2020 season with a winnable matchup against Denver in a prime time Monday night game. They have certainly made a name for themselves but now they must prove they are a prime time team. 

There mission is clear, first priority, feed the ball to Derrick Henry. In 2020 Henry will be the most impactful player on the team once again. Last season Henry was the league’s rushing leader with 1,540 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. In 15 games he averaged 20.1 carries per game, a league high as well. Derrick Henry took a lot of pressure off of Ryan Tannehill last season as the teams play action plays were some of the most productive. Tannehill was able to buy a lot of time with Henry in the backfield from all facets of the offensive scheme. The more protection Tannehill has the better, you cannot deny his impact to the teams offense. After losing Jack Conklin in free agency the team used it first round selection on Georgia’s Isaiah Wilson. This pick was the definition of drafting for need and they have prioritized Tannehill’s protection. This offensive line will be a focal point for this offense. The ability to run the ball that effectively; it also helps create a direct effect on success in the passing game by giving the quarterback more time to throw. 

Looking ahead the defense will not have long time Titan Jurrell Casey as he was traded to Denver. A large blow to the defense, however expect 2020 to be the year of many young stars to breakout for Tennessee. With Casey gone many defensive players will be expected to step up. The addition of Vic Beasley will help the pass rush as he can benefit from a system change after spending five season in Atlanta. The team will have to continue to play at an exceptional level. The defense will have plenty of young talent on both sides of the ball still in their rookie contracts. Jeffery Simmons came off of an ALC tear and was only able to play 28% of snaps for the whole season in his rookie campaign. I expect the 2019 first round pick to get an opportunity to be a four down player. In his first healthy season Simmons is a name to watch out for in 2020. The Titans have leverage as players such as cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, and outside linebacker Harold Landry on defense and tight end Jonnu Smith, AJ Brown who had a very productive season at wide receiver are both looking to help this offense break the glass ceiling.

The 20^th ranked schedule in terms of difficulty. The Titans must take advantage of the window they opened last year. All of these players are young and hungry after a successful past season. The Titans are favorites to compete for the top of the AFC South Division. With the Texans and Jaguars both viewed as inadequate competitors to the Titans. Tennessee is a well-oiled machine when they play to their strengths. Anticipate the Titans to carry momentum with them into the 2020 season. Remember the Titans? If not they will remind you in 2020.