The Tennessee Titans made a number of moves over the course of the offseason that should greatly strengthen the team on both fronts?
But which one stands out as the best?
Obviously, we won’t be able to pick out a clear winner until after the 2019 season ends, or even beyond that, but we can make predictions.
One player who could be pinned as the most important to be signed is offensive guard Rodger Saffold.
The other names added to the roster like Cameron Wake and wide receiver Adam Humphries are sure to be difference-makers as well, but Saffold stands out as the most prominent.
Tennessee’s offensive line has shown regression over recent seasons, and revamping it to be more effective as quarterback Marcus Mariota enters the last year of his rookie contract has been a top priority.
Mariota was sacked 42 times last season, a large jump from 27 in 2017 and 23 in 2016.
Saffold could make all the difference as the Titans look to give the signal-caller what he needs for a fair evaluation.
With the strength he’ll give the interior of the line, both the run and passing game should see improvement. After all, if there’s no pathway for a running back and the quarterback is constantly under stress due to lack of protection, it’s practically impossible to move the chains and score points to win games.
Without a strong enough O-line, it hardly matters how talented the receivers are or the what the defense’s ability to keep the opposing offense off of the field is.
Saffold won’t have to take a huge leap either as far as adjustment, considering the scheme he played for with the Los Angeles Rams bears similarities to the one he’s entering.
We’ll get our first real look at Saffold playing a role for the Titans in a meaningful game when the team squares off against the Cleveland Browns at 12:00 p.m. CT on Sept. 8.
