As a sports fan in Nashville, I am fairly used to heartbreak. Even our good teams fail to come out with a championship (save for the #VandyBoys in 2014). The Titans haven’t had a true winning season since 2008 when they debuted running backs, Chris Johnson and Lendale White (also known as Smash ‘n Dash). The Nashville Predators have been a decently powerful hockey team in recent years, but have managed to come up short in postseason rallies. Vanderbilt football goes without saying: there’s a bunch of nerds playing football so you can’t really expect much. And the Nashville Sounds, while doing exceptionally well this year and leading their division, are only a minor league team. As gut wrenching as it is to watch my teams lose, though, it would hurt my heart to ever cheer for any others. As such, I am optimistic every season that this will be the one we get ‘er done!
I know what you’re thinking. “The Titans? Is she serious? They aren’t just bad, they are the worst team in the NFL!” But before you write me off, just hear what I have to say. Trust me, this is a good one.
Jon Robinson
It has become very plain to Titans’ fans all over that Jon Robinson did not come to Nashville to play around; he means business. Robinson was named the General Manager of the Titans on January 14, 2016, only 11 days after the end of the Titans’ season. Since arriving in Nashville, Robinson has been the catalyst for one of the most dramatic off seasons in Titans’ history. His first big move was to trade for Running back, Demarco Murray (previously the leading league rusher). He also brought in a wide receiver, a center, a safety, two cornerbacks, and a linebacker. One of the more dramatic moves Robinson has made is trading wide receiver, Dorial Green-Beckham to the Eagles for an offensive lineman, a call made after the team’s first preseason game.
Tajae Sharpe
Unless you are a Titans fan, you probably haven’t heard this name yet, but you will. Tajae Sharpe (WR) was a 5th round draft pick by the Titans. Sharpe has shown the most promise in training camp, according to head coach, Mike Mularkey, by not making many typical rookie mistakes and by keeping up with the veteran receivers. He is expected to start immediately. In his NFL debut, a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers, Sharpe caught some of the more vital passes for a first down. Though he left the game early with a head injury, nobody on the sidelines expects him to slow down in the future. The Titans need a receiver like Sharpe amongst all of their ball droppers.
Run Game
Tennessee has typically been known for its running offense in past years. When QB Marcus Mariota was drafted, however, everyone expected for that to change. This year, however, the Titans have beefed up the backfield. When Robinson traded for Murray, all eyes were on Demarco; it’s no secret around the league how fierce of a weapon Murray is. Add to that the drafting of Heisman winner Derrick Henry and the Titans’ run game should be unstoppable. To put it simply, Derrick Henry is the size of a small country. I wouldn’t want to be the one standing in his way as he barrels down the field for a touchdown, much like he did in his NFL opener.
Dick LeBeau's Defense
Last season, even through all of the losses, the Titan’s had a top-5 defense for half of the season. All of the credit goes to defensive coordinator, Dick LeBeau. The linebackers are expected to play a significant role in the defense this year, and with the improved depth any injuries that plagued them last season should not affect their strength. As with last season, there is a lot of focus on defensive end, Jurrell Casey. Lebeau will be more involved in making plays this season, and therefore will find a way to center his defense around Casey.
Super Mario(ta)
I believe in Marcus. In Marcus We Trust. The Tennessee Titans have had many an embarrassing quarterback in the past; Marcus Mariota is not one. As just a rookie, he had four games with at least three touchdown passes (tying only Peyton Manning for the most ever by an NFL rookie), he became the only player in NFL history to pass for at least 250 yards with three touchdowns and rush for more than 100 yards in the same game, caught a 41-yard pass from running back, Antonio Andrews, set many franchise records, and ended the season with a 91.5 passer rating. No longer a rookie, Mariota put on muscle in the offseason and returned to training camp with the mindset of a veteran. In his first preseason game of the season, he completed 5 for 5 passes for 45 yards. Mariota has made it clear that this season is all about the team; “I’ll hand the ball off 40 times a game if we win games.” With that being said, Mariota has proven that he is willing to do whatever it takes for his team this season.
Still don’t believe me? Well just watch as the boys in two-tone blue take the NFL by storm this season. Colts? Jaguars? Texans? Good luck winning over the AFC South this year! We can’t wait to show off against our NFC opponents in Houston. Just remember when they win, you heard it here first! So bring it on, football season. I couldn't be more ready.
