Tennessee Titans Preview 2021

NFLNFL Preview 2021AFC Preview 2021AFC South Preview 2021AFCAFC SouthTennessee Titans

Sep 4

Our Tennessee Titans preview 2021 observes that of all the teams in the AFC South, this one has been the most consistent. In the past five years, Tennessee has won a minimum of nine games a season, averaged 10 wins per year, and made it to the playoffs three times. Last year, they won the division with a record of 11-5. Consequently, in 2021, we expect the Titans to repeat as the AFC South champions. After that, who knows what will happen?

Titans Offense

Has anyone noticed that since QB Ryan Tannehill came from Miami to Jacksonville that he has improved considerably? Last season, Tannehill completed over 72 percent of his passes, which was his best completion stat ever, throwing 33 TD passes, also a personal best, and just seven picks (second lowest). Also, when running he averaged 6.2 YPA and scored seven times. In 2019 with the Titans, he was good. In 2020, Tannehill had a breakout season. Plus, he’s got one of the best O-lines in the NFL, which always helps.

However, the receiving corps are thin. They do have A.J. Brown (70 REC, 1,075 YDs, 15.4 YPC, 11 TDs). Obviously, Brown is a premium talent. But his two compatriots from 2020, Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith, who totaled 106 catches and 13 TDs, have gone on to greener pastures. Can vet Julio Jones, who comes from the Falcons, reclaim his 2017-to-2019 stats, and TE Anthony Firkser step up as a primary third-down target? Both could be major contributors. The ground game features Derrick Henry (378 ATT, 2,027 YDs, 5.4 AVG, 17 TDs). Henry is a workhorse and a potential NFL Hall of Fame member.

Tennessee Titans Preview – Defense

In 2020, the Titan defense was first in turnover differential (+11) and tied for seventh in interceptions with 15. But their 19 sacks ranked 30th and total defense was 28th. Additionally, they were 29th versus the pass. Unfortunately, our Tennessee Titans preview 2021 projects that the front three is weak and the secondary even weaker. Consequently, the best unit on this side of the ball is the linebacking group.

There is promise in a LB group that was quite weak in 2020. Jaylon Brown is solid as long as he can stay healthy, while Bud Dupree, a premium player formerly with the Steelers, comes to the Titans after rehabbing from an ACL injury. Harold Landry III, who in 2020 led the team with 5.5 sacks, could be even better this season. On the offensive line, E/NT Jeffrey Simmons (3 sacks) is key. So much of their success depends upon his ability to anchor and excel. A Pro-Bowl season is possible for Simmons. In the secondary, strong safety Amani Hooker (4 INTs) is a solid talent. Much of this group is new, which means with so many unknowns they can go either way.

Tennessee Titans Special Teams

There have been a lot of changes on special teams for the Titans. Morgan Cox comes in as long snapper, replacing Beau Brinkley and Matt Overton. Chester Rodgers comes from the Colts to handle punt and kick returns. Well-traveled, nine-year vet Randy Bullock replaces placekicker Stephen Gostkowski who proved to be inconstant in field goals going 18-for-26. In his 14th NFL season, punter Brett Kern returns for his 13th year with the Titans. His career average of 46.0 YPP is impressive. Additionally, he’s placed 40% of his punts within the 20. Kern is dependable and consistent.