Tennessee Titans Roster 2019 Titans Roster

Looking to Keep Mariota Safe

The 2017-18 Tennessee Titans were a surprise team to most. Their 9-7 record was good enough to secure a playoff spot in the AFC. Their battle with the Chiefs would lead to a wild card escape. While the Patriots ultimately sealed the fate for the team in the divisional round, this boosted the team's morale. Centering the attention on a healthy Marcus Mariota is where the team starts their focus. They have gone leaps and bounds to ensure he has the arsenal and weaponry he needs to conquer league foes. There are a few other telling points for this Titans team and we'll share these below.

One of the first news stories to hit the market in Nashville this summer was the announced retirement of DeMarco Murray. While Murray only played 7 seasons within the league, he took a bruising and battering each season. The setbacks and injuries that plagued him early in his career finally caught up with him. He didn't leave the team empty handed, rather he passed the torch on to a younger Derrick Henry. Henry will now get his full due of run as the 1st and 2nd down guy. He is a brute and his game flourished when given glimpses of opportunity last year. His pace setter becomes Dion Lewis, one of the team's biggest offensive additions. His game and situation presence allow for a 3rd down back the team desperately needs. This helps influence the spread of the ball from Mariota, reducing predictability and increasing overall accuracy for the young quarterback.

The receiving core is the main area the team has looked at this off-season. The sum of its parts come from younger players, novice talents, and raw skill sets. Corey Davis headlines a group of individuals that lack experience within the league. All have had their taste of a full workload and seemed to handle the pressure this past season. Their development time this off-season is the key to confusing opposing teams and building on the things that they do well. Look for more consistent usage from players like Tajae Sharpe and Taywan Taylor. Also, Rishard Matthews has the chance to become a true slot receiver, nailing the roles for Mariota and easing the pressure on his pass attempts.

The Titans are drawing a large following towards the prospect of a sound secondary. The team was basically handed Malcolm Butler this off-season. The fiasco surrounding Butler in New England left the Titans salivating for the young talent. The team already acquired Logan Ryan out of New England a few seasons ago, brining AFC mindsets within a division where knowledge is a powerful tool of the game. They understand offensive sets and can read different looks a team is going to throw at them. Partner these two with Adoree' Jackson and Kevin Byard and you have a core of talent that is rich in gameplay and consistent production.

The outer effect that the secondary has on the inner portions of the defense is second to none. This gives the likes of Brian Orakpo and Wesley Woodyard the ability to run their game, reducing their overall coverage assignments and allowing them to make their own reads. This opens up the door for many different defensive flex sets and personal audibles. The like-minded individuals headlining this defense are capable of combining chemistry and skill set to keep on their toes and ready for anything opposing teams bring to the table.