ESPN’s Kevin Seifert said this week that the Tennessee Titans are the non-playoff team from 2016 he expects to make the field in 2017. After a popular draft and multiple free agent signings, he may have a point.
“Assuming quarterback Marcus Mariota recovers fully from his broken leg, the Tennessee Titans will have a multifaceted offense with the talent to gain yardage in big chunks,” Seifert said.
Mariota’s QBR was 4th in the NFL post week 5 last season. The Titans also controlled their own destiny to the playoffs until Mariota broke his leg against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 16, ending their playoff hopes.
Tennessee spent the 5th overall pick on speedster Corey Davis, who has had comparisons to A.J. Green. He’ll line up alongside Rishard Matthews (945 yards, 9 touchdowns in 2016) and Delanie Walker (800 yards, 7 touchdowns in 2016). They’ll also have the two-headed monster of Demarco Murray and Derrick Henry (combined for 1,777 yards, 14 touchdowns in 2016) to balance their attack.
Seifert also noted the additions of Logan Ryan (former New England Patriot and Super Bowl Champion), Jonathan Cyprien (former Jaguar) and Adoree’ Jackson (drafted 18th overall from USC) will help stabilize a secondary that gave up a 3rd worst 34 touchdowns last season.
Mariota is expected to be back healthy to start the season with multiple offensive weapons and a supercharged defense to back him up. Expect a new contender in the AFC South this season.
