FPC Titans Roundtable: 2018 Season MVP

The Titans season obviously didn’t end the way fans wanted it to. The team fell one game short of returning to the playoffs for the second consecutive year. However, there were some great performances and breakout stars that developed throughout the year. The FPC Titans staff went around the room to figure out who the MVP was for Tennessee during the year.

Logan Ryan, Cornerback

Jake Lyman:

Defensively, you won’t find anyone more consistent than Logan Ryan. When he signed with the Titans after the 2016 season, he wasn’t seen as a big-name signing. Many people may not have even noticed him during most games, he hasn’t had an interception since he signed in Tennessee. However, not noticing a cornerback may be the best thing for them. Ryan locked down slot receivers all season long before he was injured in Week 15.

Malcolm Butler and Adoree Jackson may have had more highlight plays, but Ryan was the best corner on the field. I almost gave my MVP vote to Kevin Byard, but Ryan deserves some credit for the way he has played. He had 4 sacks and only gave up one big play on the year when he was beat deep by Chargers’ receiver Tyrell Williams. Butler and Jackson had bad plays throughout the year, but all we saw from Logan Ryan was good, consistent cornerback play.

Jayon Brown, Inside Linebacker

Dean Williams:

My Titans MVP is Jayon Brown. With the offense setting the standard for inconsistency, the defense was the strongest group and Brown was a fantastic surprise. Going into the season I thought he may improve on last years performance enough to be a decent cover linebacker but just look at his numbers. He was 3rd on the team in tackles, 2nd in assists, 2nd in tackles for loss, and 2nd in sacks. He led the team in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries and even tied for the top spot in defensive touchdowns. On top of that, he did improve into a pretty good cover linebacker. Brown tied for 7th among inside linebackers in passes defended with 6. The future looks bright for Brown on the inside and for the Titans.

Jurrell Casey, Defensive End

Trevor Woodworth:

The Titans 2018 MVP is a simple choice for me. It has to be Jurrell Casey. He has been the heart and soul of this defense for multiple years now — a constant force to be reckoned with on the defensive line. Anytime you have a player on the defensive line that has to be game planned for, it’s a plus. Jurrell Casey started in 15 games last year, providing 62 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.

Seven sacks were Jurrell’s highest since 2015, and second most of his career. 62 tackles were only six off of his career high set back in 2014. Casey consistently set the tone for this Tennessee defense. Having a force like Casey on the line is something all coaches aspire to have. The Titans didn’t get as much pressure as they would’ve liked last season, but having Casey in there is the real reason they got any at all. There were other options for the Titans team MVP, but no one means as much to the Titans as Jurrell Casey. #TitanUp

Derrick Henry, Running Back

Matt Duckworth:

Looking at everything that transpired this season, Derrick Henry has to be the Titans MVP in 2018. Henry was appearing to be phased out of the offense after struggling early. Dion Lewis appeared to be a better fit for what Matt LaFleur was wanting to do. Lewis also appeared to mentally grasp the offense better than Henry.

With all of that being said, Henry fought through the obvious confidence issues he was experiencing. Henry knew what he was capable of and reached out to Titans legend, Eddie George for advice. Suddenly, things began to slowly come around for Henry. His efficiency began to increase and his snaps began to follow suit.

After starting out the first half of the year averaging 3.4 yards per carry, Henry’s averages began to skyrocket starting week nine against the Patriots. Henry averaged a jaw-dropping 5.9 yards per carry and was imposing his will upon opposing defenses. Nothing showed why he was the MVP more than in week 14 against the Jaguars. Henry drank a bottle of Mike’s Secret Stuff from “Space Jam” and ran the ball 17 times for 238 yards and four touchdowns. His 99 yard power running touchdown was a thing of beauty.

Henry finished the last half of the season off rushing for 759 yards and 10 touchdowns. For context, Henry finished the season off with 1,059 yards and 12 touchdowns. Most importantly, Henry helped lead the Titans to a 5-3 record over the final eight games and was a week 17 loss to the Colts away from another playoff berth. This season showed what Henry could be and he clearly deserves Titans MVP this season.