Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
After a second-place finish a year ago in the AFC South, the Tennessee Titans need a little help to finally get back to the top of the division.
So close. Now so far once again.
It’s been a trying stretch for the Tennessee Titans. They’ve been attempting to overthrow the Houston Texans in the AFC South for years. Then, a sixth seed, a magical playoff run only to be rudely shown the door by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
Now it’s time to build on the success they had in 2019.
Tennessee wrapped up its second consecutive 9-7 finish, good for second in the division. But there were a few clear issues that if resolved, could have meant a better chance at taking the division crown. Mike Vrabel will be entering his third season as head coach, and is in position to make this a big year for the Titans.
Overall, there’s a few pieces to the puzzle that the Titans need to figure out, so we’ll take a look at the five biggest needs they have to address before the season starts.
1. Kicking game
Last year was a borderline disastrous season for the special teams unit in Nashville. Between field goal and extra point attempts, the Titans missed out on over 30 points.
In their seven regular-season defeats, the Titans lost by a combined 51 points. A few kicks here and there, and things are different.
While kicker Ryan Succop drilled a respectable 24-of-25 extra points on the year, but he only connected on 1-of-6 attempted field goal attempts before getting hurt and eventually released. If the Titans want to turn those close games in their favor, they need to get their kicking game on point. Greg Joseph is currently the kicker, but Tennessee might do well to search for competition in free agency and the draft.