BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
Ryan Tannehill is a prime candidate for regression in 2020, but that doesn’t mean the Titans can’t win big with him at quarterback.
The Titans benefited massively from the installation of Ryan Tannehill as their starting quarterback in 2019. He combined with running back Derrick Henry to lead Tennessee on an impressive postseason run. The Titans coaching staff shouldn’t bet on Tannehill to play at the same level in 2020.
That doesn’t mean Tennessee isn’t going to return to the playoffs. Tannehill’s new four-year, $118 million contract might be a significant overpay, but he still projects to be a very competent quarterback in 2020. Titans fans should pay attention to the following five reasons to learn why their team is well-positioned to make noise in the AFC South.
5. Tannehill knows what he can and can’t do
Tannehill might have been guilty of trying to do too much during his tenure with the Dolphins, but he’s improved his decision-making as his career has progressed. The sterling completion percentage of 70.2 he posted during his 12 games of action last season shows just how efficient he can be.
Even more importantly, Tannehill just doesn’t turn the football over. He only threw six interceptions in his 286 passing attempts a season ago. That means he doesn’t put his defense in positions where they need to overcome his mistakes.
Ball control will continue to be a point of emphasis for the Titans in 2020. Part of Tannehill’s appeal is that he doesn’t take unnecessary chances down the field. That might not make him the most fun quarterback to watch in the NFL, but it will help the Titans return to the playoffs. He’s just the sort of steady signal-caller the team wants to preside over their run-heavy offense.