The Tennessee Titans were able to elevate their passing attack in 2019, which was a big reason why the team was able to revive its season after a 2-4 start.
That revival was sparked by the team making the switch from Marcus Mariota to Ryan Tannehill, who thrived in the Titans’ run-first offense and was able to make all the throws necessary to be successful.
When it was all said and done, the Titans’ receiving group finished as one of the most valuable in the NFL based on WAR (wins above replacement), according to Pro Football Focus.
In fact, only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs had more valuable groups.
Most-valuable receiving groups (WR/TE) in 2019 per PFF WAR:
1. Tampa Bay
2. Atlanta
3. Kansas City
4. Tennessee pic.twitter.com/MFbhUSNejM— PFF (@PFF) June 28, 2020
A big reason for this ranking is wide receiver A.J. Brown, whose historic efficiency led to his posting a 1,000-yard season in his rookie campaign. There’s no telling where the Titans would have been without him.
Brown, who finished second in the NFL with 20.2 yards per reception, is the only player in the Super Bowl era to finish with 1,000-plus yards and 20-plus yards per reception in his rookie season, per NFL Research.
Tennessee also got key contributions from fellow wide receivers Corey Davis, Adam Humphries, Tajae Sharpe and Kalif Raymond, as well as tight end Jonnu Smith. Sharpe is the only one who is no longer with the team.
With opposing defenses more focused on stopping Brown in 2020, the Titans’ other pass-catchers are going to have to step up in order to take pressure off him.
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