Football may be the best thing we have as a society. For proof, we decided to review the offseason acquisitions and outlooks of every team in the league. Read on for all the details on the Tennessee Titans and for other AFC South team breakdowns, click over to the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts previews.
Titan fans were once again disappointed last season when Tennessee finished below .500 and out of the playoffs for the fifth year running. But their major offseason moves, including the hiring of new coach Ken Whisenhunt and key acquisitions in the free agent market, have lifted the gloom around the franchise though, with fans feeling optimistic that the Titans can mount a serious charge this year.
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Tennessee Titans Team Preview for the 2014/2015 NFL Season
Overview
2013 Regular Season Record: 7-9 SU/6-8-2 ATS
The Mike Munchak era ended with a whimper last year as he failed to lift the Titans and mold them into a playoff-contending team in his three years with the club. They finished last season with a 7-9 record, a game better than their 2012 mark (6-10), but still not good enough for the Titans to contend for a playoff berth.
[sc:NFL240banner ]The Titans decided to replace Munchak with former Arizona head coach Ken Whisenhunt. If his credentials are anything to go by, the Titans have the man to lead them not only to win in the AFC South where they are priced at +350 but also to stake a claim in the Super Bowl race where they are at +7,000.
Whisenhunt, who led the Arizona Cardinals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2008, likes a wide-open attack which enables his lineups to tear apart defenses. His quarterback must have superior arm strength and passing accuracy and it is up to QB Jake Locker to prove that he is the right man for the job. With the Titans not picking up his 2015 option, it is a make-or-break season for Locker.
Offseason Highlights
Ken Whisenhunt’s appointment as the new head coach is the main offseason move that the Titans made this year. Whisenunt has also added his former Arizona defensive coordinator Ray Horton, who will bring his 3-4 defensive formation that he implemented to mixed results in his previous stop in Cleveland.
One of the reasons given why his 3-4 formation was not that impressive for the Browns was because of the lack of perfect personnel for his defensive scheme. That’s why it was crucial that the Titans signed veteran linebacker Shaun Phillips to a two-year deal to bolster their defensive unit.
Phillips, who has 80 sacks in his ten-year career, will provide the veteran leadership necessary and experience in executing the 3-4 defensive set. Still going strong after nabbing 10 sacks with the Denver Broncos last season, he will be tasked to mentor the young linebacking crew of the Titans that includes Derrick Morgan and Akeem Ayers.
His arrival will also help stabilize the Titans defense still reeling from the departure of cornerback Alterraun Verner who was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Titans also added some key additions via the NFL draft this year. They drafted running back Bishop Sankey from Washington in the second round. Despite being just a rookie, he is the leading candidate to land the starting position vacated by Chris Johnson, who was cut and has since signed with the New York Jets.
If Locker gets hurt or proves ineffective this season – he hasn’t played over 12 games his career – it could open the door for rookie Zach Mettenberger to get a few games. A graduate of Louisiana State University, Mettenberger set a school record as the only quarterback to record 2,500 passing yards in back-to-back seasons but he suffered a knee injury in his final regular season game.
Key Betting Matchups of 2014 NFL Season
The Titans have missed the playoffs the past five seasons but they are in perfect position to end their postseason drought this year with them having the second easiest schedule among the 32 NFL teams. The easy schedule, combined with a busy offseason, are some of the reasons why their regular season win total is set at 7.0.
November 17 – vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
In their only Monday night game, the Titans host the Steelers. The Titans have an outstanding record against the Steelers with them going 4-1 SU in their last five home games against Pittsburgh.
December 28 – vs. Indianapolis Colts
If Ken Whisenhunt’s tactics are right on the money, this match could be a division decider. The Titans host their AFC South rivals Colts with the Titans trying to provide a winning performance in their final home game of the season.
Writer’s Prediction
Ken Whisenhunt and his new tactics will inspire the Titans to a 9-7 record and go over their line of 7.0 wins. Create a betting account now and see if you can predict where the Titans will finish in the AFC South.
