Playoffs and Points

The Tennessee Titans are now a winning organization.  After a 9-7 season in 2016, the Titans followed that up with another 9-7 season that resulted in a trip to the NFL Playoffs.  With that being said, this ownership is still proceeding like a losing program.

Out is former head coach Mike Mularkey, who did not have the confidence of ownership despite receiving the dreaded vote of confidence.  In steps Mike Vrabel, who has exactly one season as an NFL coordinator.  Vrabel served as the Texans defensive coordinator last season after spending three seasons as the team's linebackers coach.

The key to the Titans taking the next step is not just dependent on the coaching prowess of Vrabel, but also on getting quarterback Marcus Mariota back on the track of rapid development.  After tossing 26 touchdown passes against just nine interceptions in 2016, Mariota regressed to just 13 touchdown passes in 2017 to go along with 15 interceptions.  In steps former Rams offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur as the coach deemed to get the most out of Mariota.

LaFleur didn't call plays in Los Angeles last season, but did work with Rams quarterback Jared Goff to help him reach a Pro Bowl level.  LaFleur also worked as the quarterbacks coach in Atlanta for Matt Ryan's MVP season in 2016.  The belief in Nashville is that LaFleur can be the coach to get Mariota back to taking care of the football while also being offensively prolific.

The AFC South is suddenly interesting after being one of the worst divisions in football.  The Jaguars are tough, the Texans are dynamic with Deshaun Watson and the Colts should be getting back franchise quarterback Andrew Luck.  The Titans will have to continue to improve to keep this organization as a perennial playoff contender.

Offensive Ranking: 23rd

Defensive Ranking: 13th

Key Free Agents:  

Eric Decker - WR - Caught 54 passes for 563 yards in 2017.  Played in 16 games, starting eight after spending 2016 hurt.  

Erik Walden - LB - Recorded four sacks after having a career high 11 in 2016.

Ryan Succop - K - Connected on 35 of 42 field goals.  Most importantly, was 33 of 35 from inside of 50 yards in 2017. 

Potential Cuts/Restructures:  

DeMarco Murray - RB - Murray ran for a career low 659 yards while averaging just 3.6 yards per carry.  Murray turns 30 in 2018, and counts a sizable amount against the cap for the upcoming season.  While the Titans do not have any cap room issues, they could choose to move on from Murray if they draft or sign another back to combo with Derrick Henry.  Cap savings: $6.5M