The Titans want to build off their playoff success to become a dominant regular season team in 2020. To do so, these five players need to be great.
It’s easy for Titans fans to forget that their team only managed to scrape into the playoffs last year with a 9-7 record. The team’s improbable postseason run has raised expectations from the franchise dramatically heading into 2020. That could set up head coach Mike Vrabel for failure.
On offense, the Titans are counting on both Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry to reprise their heroic efforts from last season’s stretch run. The team spent big money to bring both stars back into the fold. Expect Tennessee’s offens to still revolve around their power running game and Tannehill’s ability to make plays via play action.
The Titans defense will need to take a step forward from their 2019 performance. The unit finished the year ranked 12th in the NFL in terms of points allowed. Moving into the top 10 may be required if Tennessee wants to return to the playoffs.
In the end, the Titans don’t have much room for error in 2020. To experience success, the following five players need to come up big for Vrabel and his coaching staff.
5. Isaiah Wilson
Dennis Kelly is a nice option for the Titans to employ as their swing tackle, but he shouldn’t be trusted to be the team’s starter at right tackle. Instead, the team must rely on first round pick Isaiah Wilson to fill that role.
Wilson isn’t the most polished tackle in this year’s rookie class, but he’s absolutely got the athelticism to emerge as a quality starter in time. The question Tennessee’s coaching staff must answer is how quickly they can get Wilson up to speed. Kelly might start the season as the starter, but the Titans need Wilson to take his job as soon as possible.