Naomi Feinstein
2 min read • August 04, 2022
Posted in
2021 record: 12-5| 2022 FanDuel O/U win total: 9.5
The Tennessee Titans made waves this in the offseason after drafting Liberty quarterback Malik Willis in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
While his first two years in Tennessee were pleasant surprises, starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill struggled in 2021. The 34-year-old quarterback floundered in the team’s playoff loss to the Bengals, throwing three interceptions and only one touchdown.
Of course, a majority of those struggles came with workhorse running back Derrick Henry on the shelf with his right foot Jones fracture.
Fortunately for Tannehill, his workhorse running back Derrick Henry is poised for a comeback season. This will definitely take the bulk of the pressure off of Tannehill considering Henry has led the league in rushing yards, rushing yards per game and rushing touchdowns in two of the last three seasons.
The Titans, however, did trade top receiver A.J. Brown to the Eagles. They drafted Arkansas wide receiver Treylon Burks in the first round of the draft and brought in wide receiver Robert Woods to fill the void Brown left behind.
Burks, a prolific receiver in college, reportedly struggled with asthma and breathing issues during minicamp in June. He also had difficulty with conditioning and his weight. All of those reasons limited Burks during the offseason and open practices.
The offensive line includes two new starters with the departures of Rodger Saffold and David Quessenberry. Both struggled in pass-protection as the unit gave up 47 sacks.
The group is healthier this year than last as Saffold dealt with lingering shoulder issues. Taylor Lewan is also entering his second season since tearing his ACL in October 2020 and should have improved mobility.
The biggest injury concern for the Titans’ defense is cornerback Caleb Farley. He is not expected to be 100% by Week 1 because of last season’s ACL injury.
Linebacker Bud Dupree should look like his old self now that he is two years recovered from his ACL injury. 2021 was an off year for the outside linebacker. He finished with a 54.2 grade overall by Pro Football Focus after tallying 11 solo tackles and 3 sacks. Pro Football Doc has said the second year post-ACL surgery is when a player is typically back to full strength.
Henry is fully recovered from the Jones fracture in his right foot. The current favorite for Comeback Player of the Year will have no issues making cuts with his foot, according to Pro Football Doc. King Henry totaled 10 rushing touchdowns in just 8 games and will surely be dominant again this season.
Woods is coming off his November ACL injury and will not be 100% to start the season. He avoided the training camp PUP list, but will not look like his past self until the second half of the season at the earliest. He is a reliable pass-catcher when healthy and his statistics prove that — 45 receptions for 556 yards and four touchdowns in nine games last season. He is also a top run-blocking wide receiver.
Farley’s first season in the league was limited by injuries. He tore his ACL in his left knee during his first start in Week 6. The Pro Football Docs have detailed why he will not be completely healthy to begin the season. The former Virginia Tech cornerback has also been bothered by a herniated disk in his back that could flare up at any point. Do not be shocked if Farley is not fast out of his breaks in coverage.
Written by Naomi Feinstein
Treylon Burks chatter on the @TheAthleticNFL Football Show, courtesy of the always great @diannaESPN: “I’ve heard he’s in shape, I’ve heard he’s lost weight. I’ve heard there’s been so much growth already. And this is from an organization that doesn’t like to share…” #Titans
