The Tennessee Titan’s had a disappointing 2022 season despite some big results throughout their campaign. An impressive win against the Green Bay Packers and a double over the Indianapolis Colts was about as good as it got for Titans fans as the team fell to a negative win record for the first time in seven seasons.
This meant they also failed to reach the playoffs after making at least the Wildcard rounds in each of the previous three seasons. NFL futures don’t look upon them favorably to reach the Super Bowl this year, but could a playoff run be on the cards after such a disappointing season previously?
There were not many performances form individuals throughout the season that excited Titans fan either. Derrick Henry is of course still Tennessee’s talisman and put in yet another solid season after seeing his yards through the air reach a career high. Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons had another strong season with 7.5 sacks for a combined 54 tackles, matching his career best. The two were named as pro-bowlers for their efforts.
Fresh pastures
Fans will be expecting a lot more in 2023 however as Mike Vrabel looks to get his team back to winning ways. Following their poor 2022, the Titans hierarchy recognized immediately that change was needed and wasted no time in rejigging their coaching staff. On January 9, 2023, they fired offensive coordinator Todd Downing, offensive line coach Keith Carter, secondary coach Anthony Midget, and offensive skill assistant Erik Frazier.
It was clear that the team whose offense was 30th in the league in yards and 28th in points-per-game had a deeper issue than playing staff and changes were integral to any future success. In fact, the coaching changes at the Titans during their offseason was so vast they need listing:
- Tim Kelly – Promoted to offensive coordinator.
- Charles London – hired as quarterbacks coach from Falcons.
- Chris Harris – hired as defensive pass game coordinator/cornerbacks coach from Washington Commanders.
- Lori Locust and Justin Hamilton – hired as defensive quality coaches from Buccaneers and Virginia Tech.
- Jason Houghtaling – promoted to offensive line coach.
- Luke Steckel – moved to run game analyst.
- Pat O’Hara – moved to pass game analyst.
- Tony Dews – moved to tight ends coach.
There were even organizational changes as the Titans hired San Francisco 49ers executive Ran Carthon as their general manager. While these may all seem drastic, it was met with positivity from fans and was a clear sign of determination to turn round what was a poor year in Tennessee.
They did enter the offseason with a significant number of holes to fill and not a whole lot of cash to do it with, however. They did well to address the gap in their offensive line, drafting tackle Peter Skoronski from Northwestern 11th overall. However, potentially their biggest acquisition was that of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The star receiver was released by the Arizona Cardinas in May and the Titans began vying for his signature with the New England Patriots to beat. They would eventually get their man at the end of July and address likely what was the biggest issue on their roster among fans.
They head into the new season with some decent offensive firepower. Henry is fully fit and as good as ever, remaining the lynchpin of their offense. The addition of Tyjae Spears, last years AAC Offensive player of the year, should free up Henry to see more action in the air while also giving the Titans an excellent second option at running back.
New GM Ran Carthon did an impressive job in his first offseason, especially with the loosely placed handcuffs he was wearing with the Titans’ budget. He essentially bet on the upside, and it appears to have paid off, having addressed key areas with good-to-great acquisitions.
They are now likely just behind the Jacksonville Jaguars for the race to the AFC South title. Tannehill, while not quite a superstar, has been efficient in Tennessee and a seasoned pro like himself is more than capable of dragging his team to the playoffs with Derrick Henry alongside him. Their defense has freshened up with the likes of Monty Brown and Sean Murphy-Bunting likely to have starring roles.
They finally have a pass catcher in DeAndre Hopkins and can establish a strong passing game to match their excellent run. The minimum they should be looking for is a playoff run. This may be the final season we see Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry play together and the franchise should be throwing everything they have at making the most out of what could be their last ride.