Although, the Tennessee Titans got off to a hotter start in terms of wins and losses in 2017, their level of play has gone down. This had Titans fans split on the team’s success. Some fans were happy the team started out winning more games, while others were frustrated that the level of play had gone down. Now, after a trip out west and returning home, their level of play has gone down, and their 0-3 in their last 3 games.
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With 3 losses in a roll the Titans playoff chances are in jeopardy. They now find themselves in a “win and you’re in” situation against the division winning Jacksonville jaguars. The good news is the Titans have already proven they can beat the Jaguars, dating all the way back to week 2. But, for this article, we’re looking pass the 2017 season all together, and into 2018.
First, we’ll look at the teams in the same division as the Titans, and then we’ll look at what the Titans need to do to avoid falling behind.
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Indianapolis Colts
The Colts may have fallen to the bottom of the division this season, but next season the team will have Andrew Luck back. To go along with the return of Andrew Luck, the Colts have the most money of any team in the league to spend in free agency at just over $70 million. With Luck out for the season, it’s easy for fans to see just how many holes this roster has. Having so much money to spend, and finally a good General Manager in Chris Ballard, expect the Colts to take a big step forward in 2018.
A new head coach also wouldn’t be out of the cards for the Colts in 2018. Chuck Pagano has worn his welcome out from Colts fans. Josh McDaniels, Jim-Bob Cooter, and Bruce Arians could all step in and improve the team immediately. Jacoby Brissett will also bring some valuable trade value, and the team should be able to flip him to fill a need right away, most likely a second-round pick, possibly a late first if Big Ben retires in Pittsburgh.
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Houston Texans
If it wasn’t for so many injuries, the Texan would probably still be right in the thick of things right now, and that’s coming from a Titans fan. In their first match-up the Texans stomped the Titans 57-14. Since, the Texans have lost DeShuan Watson, JJ Watt, and Whitney Mercilus. Losing those three guys could derail any team. Watson was on track to break the NFL rookie touchdown record with his precision and mobility. Does JJ Watt really need any explanation? He is a former defensive player of the year, he demands double teams, and opponents constantly have to adjust plays depending on where he’s lined up. While, Whitney Mercilus doesn’t have that same superstar reputation, he is still a cornerstone piece of that defense.
After suffering so many injuries, head coach Bill O’Brian now finds himself on the hot seat. Still, after so many injuries, the Titans only managed to beat the Texans 24-13 in week 13. In 2018 the Texans will return to full health, and the Titans will have to be greatly improved in order to keep up.
Jacksonville Jaguars
This section will be “short and sweet”. With the Titans loss this past Sunday, the Jaguars secured the AFC south title. With arguably the best defense in the league, a good stable of wide receivers, and Leonard Fournette, the Jaguars are only a quarterback away from being a superbowl contender.
The good news is: There will be plenty of quarterbacks available in the offseason for the Jaguars to choose from. Such as, Sam Bradford, Kirk Cousins, and Case Keenum. To go along with that there are some good quarterbacks who are likely to be cut by their team’s also, like, Tyrod Taylor, Eli Manning, and Alex Smith.
Now, it’s time for the bad news. The bad news is: The Jaguars only have $2.4 million in available cap space, and they’re going to have to make some cuts if they want to resign their star wide receiver in Allen Robinson. So, signing one of these quarterbacks maybe easier said than done.
What the Titans need to do
Coaches
There is no doubt the Titans have the talent to keep up with these teams. The problems come in the form of play calling and execution. While players have to be held accountable too, both of these problems can fall on the heads of the coaches. While Mike Mularkey is safe due to a few reasons, such as; he’s cheap, friends with the owners, and the team still owes Ken Wisenhunt money, his under-staff is not. As a matter of fact, there was a fan made petition calling for offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie’s job. The petition garnered almost 2000 signatures.
According to Robiskie, he’s been getting an ear full from Mularkey over the season, and it seems as if Mularkey has to explain the play calling after every single game during his press conferences. So, the Titans need to find a new offensive coordinator. Bruce Arians, Bill O’Brian, Byron Leftwich, and current offensive line coach Russ Grim would all be worthy candidates. Whoever that person maybe, needs to be somebody who can elevate the play of Marcus Mariota, and help him achieve that superstar level of play he is capable of.
Marcus Mariota
Mariota has regressed this season, and that’s not even up for debate. Mariota needs to find himself a quarterback guru type of coach to help him over the offseason. He has struggles with turnovers this season, and that is a result of smaller details, his mechanics are off, the run game isn’t helping, and he’s trying to force the ball to certain receivers. With the right coaches, all these problems are solvable, but Mariota may need to seek them out for himself. Mularkey has already stated that he has never played quarterback at this level, and he wants to limit Mariota’s mistakes and keep him comfortable in what he’s doing.
Scheme and Players
No, I’m not suggesting a complete overhaul, just a few adjustments. When the Titans played the LA Rams, the team found success running the hurry-up offense out of the shotgun. As a matter of fact, a self-admitted league error may have actually cost the Titans that game. The problem lies in a conflict of interest, the Titans have a coach who wants to run a smash-mouth system, and a quarterback that is more comfortable in the spread system. Luckily, compromises can be made, and the Titans have had some success doing it.
The Titans need to add plays from the pistol into their playbook. In the pistol, Mariota would have his opportunity to survey the field before the play. Also, the Titans have two downhill runners who like having a running start before getting the ball in their hands, the pistol also gives them that opportunity.
The Running Game
The Titans also need to add a “scat back” type of player to their system. Taking handoffs out of the shotgun doesn’t usually work out well for DeMarco Murray or Derrick Henry. The shotgun is going to be a large part of the Titans game, and a back with speed, capable hands, and route running abilities will come in handy during those situations. Now, single back sets and I-formations will also play a big role in their game-plan for Murray and Henry, but the Titans aren’t maximizing the other side of their game.
Some free agents to be that fit this role could be: Darren Sproles, Rex Burkhead, Lance Dunbar, Jamal Charles and Charles Sims. Some early round draft picks (round 2-3) that could fill this role could be, Nick Chubb, Sonny Michel, Ronald Jones, and Rashad Penny. finally, later round draft picks (round 4- UDFA) include, Myles Gaskin, Akrum Wadley, Martez Carter, and Kyle Hicks.
So, in summary, Everyone in the AFC south division has a chance to take a big leap in 2018. The Titans can keep up, but they’re going to have to take the necessary steps to do so. For video content check out my YouTube channel. We cover NFL news and rumors, NFL draft, scouting reports, and subscriber content submissions.