The Tennessee Titans want more out of the 2019 season than a forgettable 9-7 overall record — the same one the team has maintained for the past three consecutive seasons.
But in order to do this and stay in contention in the postseason, there’s a list of things they must brush up on offensively.
Here’s a look at four things the Titans must improve on offense in the coming season.
1. The offensive line.
The Titans’ offensive line hasn’t just struggled in recent years — it’s seen noticeable regression.
General manager Jon Robinson has made it clear he’s ready to right the ship, though, making a number of changes to the roster this offseason. Team reporter Jim Wyatt has also said throughout the year that we can expect to see some changes within the unit as a whole.
Regardless of how they do it, the group is going to need to step up and give the quarterback time in the pocket if the offense is to make strides.
2. Opening up the passing game.
The Titans may have managed to break open the run game toward the end of 2018, but the passing game was hit-or-miss overall.
Mariota was 228-of-331 passes for 2,528 yards, 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
This number of passing yards was the lowest the signal-caller has ever seen in four NFL seasons.
With the promise of offseason acquisitions and the team’s depth at both wide receiver and tight end, they have what they need to get into rhythm in 2019.
3. Marcus Mariota’s touchdown-to-interception ratio.
The former Oregon Duck has a lot to prove as he enters the last year of his rookie deal. But one thing that has particularly stuck out to analyst is his touchdown-to-interception ratio, stands at roughly 1:1 over the past pair of seasons.
Between 2017 and 2018, Mariota has thrown for 24 touchdowns and 23 interceptions.
Obviously Mariota hasn’t been under the best circumstances with a frequently changing coaching staff and overall lack of true offensive weapons, but it’s still an area of concern in his passing.
4. Continuing to build the run game.
It’s hard to forget running back Derrick Henry’s remarkable finish to last season, but don’t get amnesia about how slowly he started off. The rusher opened the year playing second-fiddle to Dion Lewis in an offense that struggled to move the chains.
The team has since promoted former tight ends coach Arthur Smith to offensive coordinator to ensure continuity, and he’s established that Henry and pushing the ground game will be a big part of that.
The Titans finished with a total of 2,027 rushing yards last year, with 1,059 of those credited to Henry. He also scored 12 of Tennessee’s 15 rushing touchdowns.
The team will need to keep this momentum as they head into the next season.
