2022 NFL Team Preview: Tennessee Titans -

Despite Derrick Henry only playing in eight regular-season games, the Tennessee Titans won twelve games. How will they fare upon his return?

In 2021, the Tennessee Titans won the AFC South by three games. Although they played the majority of the season without Derrick Henry, Tennessee cobbled together an excellent season. After such a strong regular season, the offense sputtered against the Bengals. Now, Mike Vrabel and his team look forward to a season of change shifting and the return of the franchise.

Return Of The King

For years, Derrick Henry appeared nearly indestructible. After 728 touches from scrimmage, Henry appeared mortal. In suffering a season-stalling injury, Henry’s absence forced the Titans to expand their offense and not seemingly rely on just players. Henry returns, apparenatly in outstanding shape and healed. Now, how will Tennessee use post-injury Derrick Henry? In nineteen of his last twenty-three games saw Henry carry the ball twenty or more times. If the Titans aspire to win late, lessening the workload for their best player would yield positive results. While Henry returned for the playoffs, the rest will be his best teammate going forward.

Looking Over His Shoulder

Initially, the butt of jokes early in his career, Ryan Tannehill silenced all doubts with a tenure in Nashville that featured nothing but wins and success. At the same time, the Titans drafted his probable successor in Malik Willis. For Tannehill, seeing the athletic youngster, still a while away from starting, should motivate him. While management isn’t forcing him out, the drafting of Willis signals the opening door.

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Burks In the Works

When Tennessee traded A.J. Brown to Philadelphia, people questioned the move. Furthermore, the team drafted Arkansas wide receiver to fill that void. First, these two couldn’t be more different. Brown’s ability to not only separate but physically handle corners. Burks can use his immense frame to do the same in the NFL. However, losing Brown puts a serious dent in the Tennessee offense. Granted, Robert Woods will occupy the other spot outside. Yet, the focus stays with Treylon Burks.

Underrated Standouts

With all of the attention placed on the offense and their ground-and-pound style, people forget about the Tennessee defense. Allowing the sixth-fewest points in the NFL, the Titans rushed the passer and covered with equal aplomb. Standing at the top of the list, OLB Harold Landry and FS Kevin Byard. Landry posted a career-high twelve-and-a-half-sacks in 2021. More importantly, Landry plays the run. As a result, he’s evolving into a total linebacker. Meanwhile, Kevin Byard makes plays without fanfare. Since 2017, the former MTSU star tallied thirty-one interceptions. Teams try not to work his side often.

Overview

Basically, the Tennessee Titans will run the AFC South as long as the other teams continue to fumble their way through seasons. At the same time, they must begin to piece together a deep playoff drive to avoid the criticism that will eventually meet them after another loss. How will the Titans rise to the occasion in 2021?