The Tennessee Titans will have their first training camp practice open to the media of 2019 on Sat., July 27.
But before that kicks off, here’s a quick look at some things that have changed and how the overall outlook for the coming season currently stands for the team.
New players
The Titans have added a number of new faces this offseason to strengthen both the offensive and defensive fronts.
The most prominent of these includes offensive guard Rodger Saffold, wide receiver Adam Humphries, defensive end Cameron Wake, quarterback Ryan Tannehill, defensive tackle Brent Urban, defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons and wide receiver A.J. Brown.
The Titans also acquired offensive lineman Nate Davis, defensive back Amani Hooker, outside linebacker D’Andre Walker and linebacker David Long in the later rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Players no longer with the team
Just as Tennessee added some new names to its roster, it also saw many depart.
Between retirement announcements and the decision by the team to let go of some players’ failure to make a heavy impact, outside linebacker Brian Orakpo, outside linebacker Derrick Morgan, safety Johnathan Cyprien, defensive tackle Bennie Logan, offensive guard Josh Kline, tight end Luke Stocker, offensive guard Quinton Spain and quarterback Blaine Gabbert are all no longer with the team.
Overall outlook
The Titans have given the impression of a team with a high potential it just can’t tap over recent seasons. For the past three years, the team has finished out with an overall record of 9-7, narrowly missing the playoffs in 2018. The team hasn’t seen double-digit wins since 2008.
Tennessee gained plenty of momentum last year, establishing what could be a dominant and aggressive run game based largely off the efforts of Derrick Henry toward the end of the season. With continuity a priority under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the team should be able to further build off of this.
As quarterback Marcus Mariota looks to prove himself as the franchise guy in the fifth and final year of his rookie deal, general manager Jon Robinson has done a fine job of putting the pieces in place to protect him, give him more reliable targets and further solidify an already strong defense to put him on the field more.
If all goes according to plan and the Titans can maintain consistency, the team could be in for one of its biggest years yet. If not, serious changes are likely in store for the roster and the coaching staff.
Most pressing question to be answered
The most pressing question ahead of the season unsurprisingly has everything to do with quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The future of Mariota has a large impact on the direction of the future of the team as a whole. If Mariota succeeds in the fifth and final year of his rookie deal, he’ll be under center for the team for many years to come, and the offense can maintain a sense of upward growth and continuity.
If not, the Titans are back at square one in many aspects — and Ryan Tannehill will become far more than just an insurance policy.
