State of the Franchise: Tennessee Titans

Derrick Henry ran the Titans to the AFC Championship in 2019, what will he do for his encore?

Written by Leo Encarnacion: The State of the Franchise series is intended for NFL fans who spend their season following their favorite team and or the players on their fantasy team but don’t get a full view of what’s happening around the league. Or maybe the NFL fan that lives in a part of the world where watching games is difficult but still wants to follow. Either way, thanks for reading.

The first wave of free agency is over, the draft is in the books and now we have a long summer to wonder if we’re even going to get to watch any NFL games this season. For the sake of our collective sanity let’s assume that we’re getting a football season this year (money talks, right?) and that means it’s time to start reviewing each franchise to determine where they stand going into the 2020 season and beyond. 

The last time we saw the Titans, Patrick Mahomes was sending them home for the summer after breaking their hearts in a comeback victory in Kansas City after the AFC Championship. As disappointing as it probably is to make it a game away from the Superbowl and take the L, the arrow is pointing up in Tennessee and has been for the longest stretch in the franchise’s history. Believe it or not, this version of the Titans has had the most consecutive winning seasons (4) since the team moved to Nashville from Houston. 

Front Office

General Manager Jon Robinson is going into his 4^th season with the Titans and his tenure can’t be labeled as anything but a success thus far. The team was coming off of a winning season when they hired him in 2016 but Robinson has turned over the majority (over 90%) of the roster since taking the job and the team has sustained and even elevated through it all. We won’t know the verdict on the 2020 draft class until after their rookie seasons at the earliest, but Jon Robinson’s prior drafts have netted the Titans potential franchise cornerstones Adoree Jackson, Jayon Brown, Rashaan Evans, Harold Landry, Jeff Simmons, AJ Brown and countless quality role players. Although not every pick has resulted in success, the team has added a good amount of talent through the draft which is a welcomed change of pace from the previous era of Titans football under GM Ruston Webster. Robinson has also been fairly successful in free agency since taking over. Former Patriots Logan Ryan and Malcom Butler have both made plays and taken their lumps over the last couple seasons in Tennessee, but they undeniably helped stabilize a secondary that had developed a reputation for being abused. 2019 Left Guard addition Rodger Saffold helped pave the way for Derrick Henry’s rushing title and Kenny Vaccarro’s pre-season signing gave the Titans one of the top safety duos in the NFL with Kevin Byard. To top it off, Robinson traded a 2020 4^th round pick for Ryan Tannehill, the new franchise QB. Although the jury is still out on the additions of Adam Humphries and Vic Beasley, Jon Robinson has done enough to warrant a long leash from owner Amy Adams Strunk. Robinson has already received a contract extension until the end of the 2022 season and has been promoted to Executive Vice President/General Manager. Barring an unexpected collapse of the team, you should expect to see him running the Titans front office for the years to come.

Coaching

Head Coach Mike Vrabel has posted back to back 9-7 seasons to start his coaching career and is now coming off of a trip to the AFC Championship, the furthest the Titans have made it into the playoffs since 2002. Vrabel isn’t perfect, he still occasionally experiences growing pains with some of his in-game decisions but he’s aggressive, the players appear to love him and he has produced wins. Can’t really ask for much more than a ring at this point. For the 2020-2021 season Vrabel’s defense will be missing defensive coordinator Dean Pees (retired) and secondary coach Kerry Coombs (DC at Ohio State) for the first time since taking the job. The team still doesn’t have a defensive coordinator and it’s been reported that Vrabel will take on additional responsibility with the defense this year. The Titans defense was just average in 2019 due to injuries in the secondary and an inconsistent pass rush, Vrabel surely knows that getting the defense to elevate their play is the key for this team to make it a round further and have a chance at the Lombardi trophy.

Mike Vrabel led the Tennessee Titans to an AFC Championship birth in just his 2nd season as an NFL Head Coach.

On offense, Art Smith’s unit turned into one of the most electrifying in the league once Ryan Tannehill was named the started for week 7. The run game, on the massive shoulders of rushing champion Derrick Henry, finished top 3 in the NFL in yards per attempt (5.0) and rushing touchdowns (21) while the entire offense ranked 4^th in the league in average yards per play (6.1) and 8^th in passing touchdowns (29). The numbers speak for themselves and they’re telling us that Arthur Smith has the job security of a medical doctor in New York City right now. He’s not going anywhere until he chooses to.

Roster

Key Additions: Vic Beasley, Jonathan Joseph

Key Departures: Jurrell Casey, Delanie Walker, Logan Ryan, Jack Conklin, Wesley Woodyard, Marcus Mariota, Dion Lewis

Quarterback

Ryan Tannehill started 10 regular season games which resulted in 2742 passing yards and 26 total touchdowns against only 9 total turnovers. Tannehill also posted career highs in yards per attempt (9.6, 1^st in NFL) and passer rating (117.5, 1^st in NFL). The Titans clearly saw all they needed to see because those stats resulted in Tannehill cashing out a 4-year $118 Million contract with $91 Million guaranteed. Tannehill’s playoff performance left a little something to be desired but with 60 total pass attempts in 3 games, how much production can you really expect? The possibility of Tannehill’s production regressing to the mean exists, sure, but even a slight regression in production from last season would give the Titans a top-10 Quarterback going into the 2020 season.  This franchise has been searching for the answer at QB since the late great Steve McNair signed with Baltimore in 2006. They finally found one worth investing in and building around with Ryan Tannehill. Let’s just hope their offensive line can keep him healthy.

Offensive Line

Speaking of the offensive line, the Titans currently have $45,670,753 invested in this position group for the upcoming season before adding 2020 first round pick Isaiah Wilson’s projected $2.1 Million salary. A group that accounts for over 20% of this season’s salary cap better be productive and luckily for the Titans that seems to be the case for what they do best. Tennessee’s offensive approach is to kick your ass up front to create running lanes for Derrick Henry to run through then catch defenses slipping with play-action bombs down the field. The formula worked last season as Derrick Henry lead the league in rushing yards and Ryan Tannehill led the NFL in yards per attempt.

WHAT A THROW!

Ryan Tannehill 🎯 Kalif Raymond #TENvsIND

(Via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/9Td7NMWRT0

— PFF (@PFF) December 1, 2019

 

This unit wasn’t perfect, pass protection was a recurring problem for the team in 2019. Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill were sacked a combined 56 times (3^rd worst in NFL) during the regular season. You don’t need Bill Belichick’s football IQ to know 56 sacks is too many, pass protection will need to improve if the Titans are going to make another deep run in the AFC this season. Although line struggled to find consistency at the start of 2019, they did eventually find their stride after Taylor Lewan returned from suspension and built chemistry with free agent addition Rodger Saffold. That improvement on the left side of the offensive line combined with rookie Right Guard Nate Davis’ development gave the Titans enough to win 11 total games. The right side of the line will be an area to focus on in 2020, the team has gone young on the right side with Nate Davis entering his second year at 24 years old and the rookie Isaiah Wilson recently turning 21. Veteran swing tackle Dennis Kelly may start the year at Right Tackle, but Jon Robinson didn’t draft Wilson in the 1^st round to have him watching the action all year. Outside of Center Ben Jones this offensive line is signed through the 2022 season, so they have plenty of time to build chemistry in order to keep Ryan Tannehill upright while also continuing to open running lanes for Derrick Henry.

Running Back

This is the Derrick Henry show, plain and simple. In his two seasons since taking over as the starter Henry has accomplished the following: 2,904 total yards, 30 TDs, won a rushing title and was the best player on a team that was a few Mahomes throws away from a Superbowl appearance. Henry averaged 148.7 (!!) yards per game during the Titans 2019 playoff run and claimed his spot as THE franchise player in Tennessee. Henry’s ascension is both a blessing and a problem for the franchise given the RB market and yearly debate over whether the position is worth allocating valuable salary cap space to. Jon Robinson opted to use the Franchise Tag and pay Henry $10 Million for the upcoming season, but the issue of striking a long-term deal remains.

From @NFLMatchup — #Titans-#Ravens tonight...

We went to the film on the TEN run game. Outside zone. Move people up front. And create a cutback lane for RB Derrick Henry.

Here’s a look at the zone scheme from the Wild Card win over the #Patriots. @TDavenport_NFL #NFL pic.twitter.com/W54Or03SUw

— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) January 11, 2020

 

Darrynton Evans was drafted out of Appalachian State last week in the 3^rd round and was touted as a compliment to Derrick Henry’s bruising style with his electric speed and playmaking potential but don’t sleep on the possibility of Evans, who will be familiar with the Titans zone running scheme, being a part of the teams plan to replace Henry if the two sides decide to part ways next spring. For the 2020 season Evans will serve as Dion Lewis' replacement. Ultimately, I’m in favor of paying the 26-year old star who is the size of a cement truck with the speed of a M5 BMW and has had zero major injuries in his life. Time will tell if Jon Robinson and Mike Vrabel agree.

Wide Receiver 

Before we get to the questions surrounding this group, A.J. Brown is a badass and his 20.2 yard per reception average last season was tied for the 5^th best in franchise history. He tallied 1,051 receiving yards, giving the Titans their first 1,000-yard season from a wide receiver since Kendall Wright in 2013. He was a rookie. He hasn’t even turned 23 yet. Brown’s future is bright, expectations are high for the Titans new WR1.

#Titans rookie WR AJ Brown scores a 91-yard touchdown.pic.twitter.com/TUep9iIFVt

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 8, 2019

 Now to the elephant in the receiver room, Corey Davis and his 5^th year option. Davis has yet to break out as the star the Titans were expecting when they drafted him 5^th overall but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been a contributor to a successful team. He caught the pass that broke the Ravens back in their playoff matchup and eventually sent the Titans to the AFC Championship, that has to count for something right? Seriously though, he had 43 fewer targets last season than in 2018 which resulted in disappointing totals. The advanced stats show that Davis has steadily improved in each season of his career, posting career highs in yards per reception and catch percentage. Jon Robinson has decided that Davis’ incremental improvement isn’t worth the 5^th year price tag and has declined that option, which likely means 2020 will be Davis’ last season with the team. Behind Corey Davis is Adam Humphries who may have been a victim of the Titans mid-season quarterback change. Humphries was signed before Ryan Tannehill was on the roster, one can assume that Jon Robinson had Marcus Mariota in mind when signing the slot receiver because Mariota’s strength throwing to the middle of the field. Tannehill tends to throw to the outside of the field more than Mariota did and that likely cut the opportunities for Humphries targets. Humphries can still be a productive player; the fit might not be right anymore though. Don’t be surprised if the Titans enter the 2021 offseason looking for 2 starting receivers next to A.J. Brown.

Tight End

First and foremost, salute to Delanie Walker. He carried the franchise through dark times and helped usher in this new era of Titans football. It’s a shame that he couldn’t finish his Titans career playing in that AFC Championship, but such is life. Walker is gone and instead of replacing him with another big name the Titans appear to be content with the versatile committee approach consisting of Jonnu Smith, Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt. Each bring a different skill set to the table but all 3 have expiring contracts after the upcoming season. The TE1 spot appears to be Jonnu Smith’s job to lose if you listen to Robinson and Vrabel closely. If he doesn’t take advantage the team will likely be looking at their options in the 2021 draft.

Defensive Line

Another salute goes out to now ex-Titan Jurrell Casey. In 9 seasons with the team Casey totaled 51 sacks and made 5 consecutive Pro-Bowls. Casey was traded to Denver for a 2020 7^th round pick that was later traded during the draft to the Chiefs for a 2021 6^th round pick. The emergence of Jeffrey Simmons must have made management comfortable with moving on Casey and the remaining 3-years $37.9 Million left on his contract. The Titans are a potential Jadeveon Clowney destination according to ESPN’s Diana Ruisini, landing him in free agency would surely make everyone emotionally invested in this team feel better about losing Casey.

I'm told the Seattle Seahawks and the Tennessee Titans are still interested in Jadeveon Clowney. Both teams have made multiple offers, but nothing that matches Clowney's desired price tag. Sources believe "he is just not in a hurry to sign".

— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) May 1, 2020

As it stands now the Casey trade amounts to a salary dump and a 6^th round pick next year. This move is one to keep in the back of your mind during the season if Clowney chooses to take his talents elsewhere. For now, Jeffrey Simmons and Daquon Jones will be charged with anchoring a defensive line that was solid in run defense but could use some juice in the pass rush. 

Linebacker

The future is bright for the Titans at the linebacker position, newly signed Vic Beasley is the oldest among the projected starters at 27 years old. Jayon Brown has emerged as one of the leaders of the defense in his 3 seasons with the team since being drafted in the 5^th round in 2017 but will need a new contract after the upcoming season. Brown’s play thus far in his young career should warrant a new deal without much debate. Harold Landry and Rashaan Evans have also emerged as key contributors on the defense. Evans made multiple star level plays in the Titans playoff run including a couple of critical goal line stops against the Patriots in the Divisional round to prevent them from building momentum. Evans had a breakout season and showed why the Titans selected him 22^nd overall in the 2018 draft. You should look forward to watching him make plays for this team for next few years.

Still can't believe this effort by #Titans linebacker Rashaan Evans. #Patriots have wide zone blocked up pretty well here. Michel should score following Roberts through the hole. Evans just comes from the back side and ruins the play. pic.twitter.com/M988xUrrlb

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) January 17, 2020

As for Landry, his 2019 performance had GM’s around the league punching air for allowing him to drop to the 2^nd round of the 2018 draft. Harold Landry doubled his sack total from his rookie year (9.0) and more than doubled his tackles for loss (12). His presence was felt in the playoffs where he had 5 QB hits and 1 sack in the Titans 3 games. Vic Beasley will be the Titans other starting edge rusher in 2019 and has flashed elite production in the past, specifically in 2016 when he was the NFL sack leader and was selected as a First Team All Pro while a member of the Atlanta Falcons. The Titans hope that Mike Vrabel can help bring out the best in the former 8^th overall pick, his production is desperately needed for a team that ranked 25^th in the NFL in pressure percentage. That isn’t going to cut it. A player to watch in 2020 will be 2^nd year player D’Andre Walker. Walker missed his entire rookie season due to a groin injury that landed him on the Injured Reserve list before the team played their first pre-season game in 2019. Consistent pass rush production from Beasley and Walker would go a long way in helping the Titans take the next step in the upcoming season. Their season ultimately ended because they couldn’t sack Patrick Mahomes more than twice and an improvement in this area could lead to another deep run during the AFC playoffs in 2020. 

Defensive Back

Other than the offensive line, no unit on the 2020 Tennessee Titans occupies more cap space than the secondary at $40.2 Million (18.25% of the salary cap). With All-Pro Safety Kevin Byard and former 1^st round pick Kenny Vaccarro, who was an absolute steal of a pre-season pickup in 2019, the back of the Titans defense is solidified until at least the end of the 2022 season when Vaccaro’s contract expires. The 2020 offseason saw the Titans address the Cornerback position after the presumptive departure of Logan Ryan by drafting standout LSU Cornerback Kristian Fulton in last week’s draft and doubling down by signing veteran CB Jonathan Joseph in the days following the draft. Fulton’s experience as a press-man corner at LSU should fit in well with a Titans secondary that prides itself on being physical. The signing of Jonathan Joseph could end up being the Titans most underrated move of the offseason. With Joseph the team adds an experienced CB that has spent the last 9 seasons playing in the AFC South with the Texans. At 35 years old, Joseph might not be an every-down corner anymore, but his presence will certainly help the Titans efforts to slow down opposing passing attacks in 2020. Adoree Jackson staked his claim as the Titans #1 CB in 2019. 

According to PFF, Jackson ranked 13^th in the NFL among CB’s in pass coverage for the 2019 season and the arrow appears to be pointing up on his future potential. The Titans clearly think highly of Jackson, as they’re expected to pick up his 5^th year option for the 2021 season. Take a second to enjoy this thread by Twitter user @TitansTape.

Adoree probably had his best game of the season against the Ravens in the playoffs.

Adoree accelerates to undercut this ball to Marquise Brown. pic.twitter.com/gkfXQaaWbh

— Titans Tape (@TitansTape) April 11, 2020

The performance of Malcom Butler will be crucial to the Titans pass defense in 2020, Butler’s performance in his 2 seasons with the team have been inconsistent at best and the team has an out on his contract (with only $4 Million in dead cap space) after the upcoming season. Another inconsistent season could make this year Butler’s last with the team. 

Punter/Kicker

Titans Punter Brett Kern’s high performance has consistently given the Titans an edge in the field position battle and has resulted in 3 consecutive Pro-Bowl appearances and a First Team All Pro selection in 2019. They’ll be expecting much of the same in 2020 and beyond. That’s all I’ve really got for the Punter; I hope you weren’t expecting more. The kicking game is a completely different story as the Titans only attempted 4 Field Goals from week 10 of the regular season to the end of their playoff run. Expect current Kicker Greg Joseph to be in a competition for his job if training camp happens this summer. 

Overall Outlook

On paper the 2020 Titans weaknesses appear to be pass protection and pass rush. The team struggled with inconsistency in both areas during the 2019 season, but they were fortunate to overcome these deficiencies and ultimately put up a fight in the AFC Championship against the eventual NFL champions. In an AFC South that appears to have gotten weaker during this weird offseason, the division is up for grabs and the Titans are positioned nicely to claim the top spot provided they stay healthy. Nothing will be handed to them; they’ll need to do a better job keeping Ryan Tannehill’s pocket clean if they want to repeat their 2019 success. If the team can manage to improve in pass protection and continue to open up holes for Derrick Henry, their offense should be in a good position to dominate the time of possession battle and keep their pass rushers fresh to attack opposing QBs. Jon Robinson has set this team up for success in 2020 and the future. Titans fans have had a rough time over the last decade, however hope for the franchise’s first Super Bowl has finally returned and is here to stay. 

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All contract details were pulled from Spotrac.com. All statistics referenced were pulled from pro-football-reference.com. Feel free to reach out to pickandscrollhoops@gmail.com with thoughts.