Chuck Mills 2016 Predictions: No. 29 Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans enter the Chuck Mills 2016 Predictions at no. 29.
New Coach: Mike Mularkey
Departures: Michael Griffin, Zach Mettenberger, Sammie Hill
Additions: Brice McCain, Matt Cassel, Ben Jones, Sean Spence, Antwon Blake, Rashad Johnson, DeMarco Murray, Rishard Matthews
Draft Class: Jack Conklin, Kevin Dodd, Austin Johnson, Derrick Henry, Kevin Byard, Tajae Sharpe, LeShaun Sims, Sebastian Tretola, Aaron Wallace, Kalan Reed
Major Questions:
Will Marcus Mariota take the next step?
Can the Titans protect Marcus Mariota?
Can the Titans establish a respectable run game?
Can the Titans defense step up and cause some turnovers?
Overview:
Marcus Mariota had an impressive rookie year in 2015, completing 64.2% of his passes for 2,818 yards, 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and running 34 times for 252 yards and two touchdowns. While he had a 3-9 record as the Titans’ starting quarterback, those numbers should still give Titans fans hope that he can be the starting quarterback of the future.
But Marcus is going to need some help if he is going to be the Titans’ savior.
First, the Titans’ offensive line will need to protect Marcus Mariota. The Titans’ offensive line allowed a league leading 54 sacks in 2015. The Titans will need Taylor Lewan, Chance Warmack, and rookie Jack Conklin to step up and justify their first round draft status and the Titans will also need free agent addition Ben Jones to solidify the center position. The Titans also hope to give Marcus Mariota a smash-mouth rushing attack to help him out in 2016. The Titans brought in DeMarco Murray, the 2014 NFL Rushing Leader, and Heisman Trophy Winner Derrick Henry to lead the Titans’ rushing attack in 2016. But the Titans will still need the offensive line to step up if their rushing attack is going to gain any respectability.
The Titans also need their pass catchers to step up. Delanie Walker has been having the best years of his career in Tennessee, but a passing offense can’t function on Delanie Walker alone. The Titans will need Dorial Green-Beckham to take the next step in 2016. They will also need Kendall Wright to have a bounce back season.
On defense, the Titans have work that needs to be done as well.
The Titans defense had 39 sacks as a whole in 2015, which puts them in the middle of the league, but they only had 11 interceptions, which was tied with four other teams for 21st in the league and they gave up 34 touchdowns. They will need guys like Derrick Morgan, Jurrell Casey, Brian Orakpo to pressure opposing passers, and rookies Kevin Dodd and Austin Johnson will also need to make an impact.
The Titans will also need Jason McCourty and Perrish Cox to come back healthy in 2016. They will also need free agency acquisitions Rashad Johnson and Da’Norris Searcy to step in at safety.
Prediction:
The Titans should take a step forward in 2016, but the holes they have on their roster will keep them from making too big of a step. I predict that the Titans will go 4-12 with wins against the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and a big upset over the Denver Broncos.
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