Tennessee Titans fans have been waiting for the team to record an overall record of something other than 9-7 — the one they’ve finished with for the past three consecutive seasons.
Bleacher Report has them doing just that, but not in a positive way.
When the network’s Maurice Moton slated his projections for 2019, he had the Titans going 7-9.
Here’s a look at some of what he had to say in his analysis.
“In the first quarter of the upcoming season, Mariota could face unrelenting pressure from defensive ends Myles Garrett, Justin Houston and Calais Campbell—a rough start even with Lewan in the trenches,” he wrote.
He also noted the division matchups the Titans face, as well as the strength of the defense moving forward.
“New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith must optimize Mariota’s arm talent to compete with division foes Houston and Indianapolis.
Tennessee will carry over last year’s No. 3 scoring defense with edge-rusher Cameron Wake added to the mix. With pressing concerns on offense, the defense will need to put together another strong campaign.”
While Moton’s prediction certainly keeps things realistic and accounts for the Titans’ inconsistencies of recent history, it seems almost impossible that the team could finish with such a poor overall record given the key offseason acquisitions, continuity in the promotion of Smith and overall good looks in training camp.
The Titans will have their first chance to prove themselves in a meaningful game when they face the Cleveland Browns in FirstEnergy Stadium at 12:00 p.m. CT on Sept. 8.
