This is why the Tennessee Titans will shock the NFL.
By Chris Clark
In this week’s Mega-Bold predictions, I take a huge leap of faith by setting the bar high for the Tennessee Titans offense.
Predictions are pretty fun. They easily cause lots of debates, and lots of people tend to bump heads because not everyone agrees with any prediction. In the first edition of Mega-Bold Monday, I have a thrilling prediction for the Tennessee Titans, but first, let me catch you up on this rollercoaster of an offense in Nashville.
The Titans offense in 2016 was among the NFL’s best. Hard to believe, huh? Mularkey’s “exotic smashmouth” approach worked. It actually worked! DeMarco Murray was among the top running backs of the NFL and Marcus Mariota was red hot for quite a bit of the season (26 TDs, 9 INTs).
No one knows what happened in 2017. Either Mularkey’s exotic system was a one-year wonder or the injury bug unleashed its wrath again. Possibly a combination of both, but either way, the Titans offense plummeted in 2017 along with Mariota’s stats (13 TDs, 15 INTs.)
This year, I feel something different. There is something in the air that is a bit different about the Titans offense. That is why in this edition, I am predicting…
The Tennessee Titans will have a top 3 NFL offense.
If you are not a Titans fan reading this, I know right now you are laughing. I understand. You don’t have to believe me now, but here is why I am fairly confident in this prediction.
Marcus Mariota went into the 2016 season healthy. While on track to having his first healthy season and possibly leading Tennessee to a playoff berth, he had tough luck versus Jacksonville, suffering a leg injury.
He then went into the 2017 season with little practice because he had to recover from his gruesome injury. The injury caused his leg to become weaker, thus causing hamstring injuries throughout the entire 2017 season. That, and a lackluster offensive system, resulted in a poor season for Mariota.
This off season, he has been nothing but healthy. Marcus has already stated once before that he feels good. Mariota and his fellow wide receivers and tight ends practiced together. He could finally have a full off season under his belt again if no injury occurs before September 9th.
That is only reason one, though. Pair Mariota with his new offensive coordinator, and things get even scarier. The Titans made what could become the biggest hiring of the off season. They brought in Matt LeFleur, and boy does he have a storied history.
To keep it nice and simple for you, LeFleur is responsible for guys like Robert Griffin III’s rookie season, Matt Ryan‘s MVP season, and Jared Goff‘s recent season. Every quarterback under his wing has turned into a star. A healthy Mariota plus LeFleur should ignite the fanbase in Tennessee.
The only red flag is LeFleur’s lack of experience in calling plays. His first gig is not too bad though. He has weapons like Delanie Walker, Derrick Henry, Dion Lewis, Rishard Matthews, Corey Davis, and of course Mariota. Heck, even Taylor Lewan!
Head coach Mike Vrabel hiring LeFleaur was a smart move. Defensive-minded Vrabel is smart for turning to offensive-minded LeFleur.
As a leader, learning how to delegate is important, so hiring LeFleur was a huge first step for the Titans’ rookie head coach.
If history repeats itself, Mariota should have a good year, Walker should have a pro-bowl year, and Matthews should be a reliable target.
Expect Davis to step up, Henry to take advantage of his new starting role, and Dion Lewis to shine behind him.
If all goes well, you are looking at a red hot offense in Tennessee, and a offensive coordinator who could go down as one of the best to ever do it.