At the dawn of the 2022 season, We Sport looks back on the situation of the 32 NFL franchises. Today, focus on Tennessee Titans ready to bounce back from disappointing playoffs.
The balance sheet of Tennessee Titans last season
On an upward phase since the arrival of Mike Vrabel, the Titans wanted to correct the situation after a successful 2021 campaign but marred by an early elimination in Wild Cards. But, unfortunately, the seasons seem to follow and resemble each other for the Nashville franchise. Best record in the American Conference and exempted from the first round, despite the absence of Derrick Henry for half the season, everything seemed optimal to taste again the conference final that the Titans had found in 2019. But, as last year, Tennessee cracked as soon as it entered the running, released by surprising Bengals. A big disappointment for the franchise, which will have to remobilize as soon as possible.
[12-5]AFC South winners, eliminated in Divisionals by Cincinnati Bengals
The movements of the off-season
Upheaval in the group of Titans receivers, where Tennessee changed everything or almost! Star of this group, AJ Brown was sent to Philadelphia during the draft, while Julio Jones was not retained. To replace them, the franchise bet on Treylon Burks during the draft and recruited Robert Woods and Austin Hooper during the Free Agency.
The rest of the workforce has not been turned upside down, even if Jayon Brown and Rashaan Evans have left a group of linebackers without necessarily being replaced. Tennessee also played the continuity card by extending a few holders (Jones, Landry), while preparing for the future with Roger McCreary at cornerbacks and Nicholas Petit-Frere on the offensive line. Note that the future could also be Malik Willis, chosen in the third round of the draft and who comes to compete with Ryan Tannehill.
Major arrivals: THE Austin Hooper (Browns), WR Robert Woods (Rams)
Notable departures: WR A.J. Brown (Eagles), LB Jayon Brown (Raiders), LB Rashaan Evans (Falcons), WR Julius Jones (Buccaneers), AND Rodger Saffold (Bills)
Extensions: K Randy Bullock, C Ben Jones, LB Harold Landry
Draft* : WR Treylon Burks (Arkansas), CB Roger McCreary (Auburn), OT Nicholas Petit-Frere (Ohio State), QB Malik Willis (Liberty)
* Only the players selected during the first two days are mentioned.
The number of Tennessee Titans 2022/2023
Best team in the AFC last year, Tennessee has a solid workforce but still seems to have weakened. Keystone of the attack, Derrick Henry is still there, behind a well-built offensive line around the left tackle Taylor Lewan. The aerial attack poses more questions, with the Woods / Burks duo who will have to prove themselves to facilitate the work of Ryan Tannehill and to forget the old cast.
In defense, Jeffery Simmons will spearhead the defensive line, while Bud Dupree and Harold Landry will chase the quarterback on the outside. In the secondarythere are fewer certainties even if Kevin Byard brings a lot of serenity to the bottom of the field, something that could benefit a group of cornerbacks who will have to raise the level around young Kristian Fulton, Caleb Farley and Roger McCreary.
Tennessee Titans : Ambitions and ranking
After two excellent regular seasons but two failed playoff campaigns, the Titans will arrive with revenge to start the 2022 fiscal year. Despite many doubts surrounding this franchise, the power of Derrick Henry could once again carry a franchise that will aim for the pass of three in I’AFC South where only the Colts are able to stand up to them. Staying on the conference throne will be complicated, but winning the playoffs is a necessity.
Player to watch: Robert Woods
Well established in the Rams attack alongside Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods had a bizarre season in 2021, missing half of the meetings but winning his first ring. Back from injury, he was pushed through the exit following the recruitment of Allen Robinson and will have enormous responsibilities in Tennessee. Called to be receiver No. 1, he will have to forget AJ Brown and Julio Jones in an attack centered on the ground game. At 30, will Woods find the level before his injury, the one that allowed him to turn around 1000 yards at the reception?
The calendar of Tennessee Titans in 2022
Week 1 vs New York Giants | Week 2 @ Buffalo Bills | Week 3 vs Las Vegas Raiders |
Week 4 @ Indianapolis Colts | Week 5 @ Washington Commanders | Week 6 BYE |
Week 7 vs Indianapolis Colts | Week 8 @ Houston Texans | Week 9 @ Kansas City Chiefs |
Week 10 vs Denver Broncos | Week 11 @ Green Bay Packers | Week 12 vs Cincinnati Bengals |
Week 13 @ Philadelphia Eagles | Week 14 vs Jacksonville Jaguars | Week 15 @ Los Angeles Chargers |
Week 16 vs Houston Texans | Week 17 vs Dallas Cowboys | Week 18 @ Jacksonville Jaguars |
Feature image credit: NBC Sports
Louis Rousseau
The words “Minnesota Miracle” and “No-Call” are scratched from my vocabulary. My heart mourns the retirement of Drew Brees as my eyes finally widen watching the Knicks.
