5 takeaways from the 2019 Titans season

Despite the disappointing ending to a storybook season, Titans fans have to be pleased with what their team accomplished in 2019.

The Tennessee Titans came up just one game short of a Super Bowl LIV appearance, and were the team no one wanted to face down the stretch.

They were consistently counted out as underdogs in the postseason, recording impressive victories over the New England Patriots and the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens before finally being knocked out by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.

Despite the disappointing ending to a storybook season, Titans fans have to be pleased with what their team accomplished in 2019.

Here’s a look at five takeaways from what Tennessee put together this season.

1. Ryan Tannehill shocked everyone.

Who can truthfully say they expected the former Dolphins signal-caller who was so lackluster in Miami to do what he’s done in Nashville this season?

Tannehill was originally signed as nothing more than an “insurance policy” for Marcus Mariota, and now it is Mariota who will almost certainly be gone from the Titans’ roster in the 2020 season, and Tannehill who is looking at potentially securing a multi-year deal or being franchise tagged ahead of the upcoming season.

Tannehill finished out the season completing on 70.3% of his pass attempts for 2,742 yards, 22 touchdowns and just six interceptions over 12 games, named the starter in Week 7.

He led the league in yards per attempt (9.6), adjusted yards gained per pass attempt (10.2), yards per completion (13.6) and passer rating (117.5).

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Behind Enemy Lines: Finishing up the Texans’ season with Titans Wire

The Houston Texans finish off their regular season with a Week 17 tilt with the Tennessee Titans. Titans Wire helps go behind enemy lines.

The Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans finish off the regular season with a Week 17 tilt at NRG Stadium. For the Titans, a win means they are definitely in the playoffs. For the Texans, a conclusion to the contest with zero injuries is a win in and of itself.

To help preview the rematch, Crissy Froyd, managing editor of the Titans Wire, returns to give a preview. Crissy also manages the new LSU Tigers Wire, and helps preview a little bit of the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl between LSU and Oklahoma Saturday.

Texans Wire: What does it say about the culture Mike Vrabel has established that the Titans have clawed back to this point?

Crissy Froyd: This team has a lot of fight and is just a few small tweaks away from being a serious contender. Injuries have a lot to do with that as well. But we’re seeing a Titans team that can compete and play from behind — something that hasn’t always been the case.

TW: If the shoe were on the other foot, would the Titans players or the fans care about sweeping the Texans though everything is locked up?

CF: I wouldn’t say that. Resting important players ahead of the postseason would be the logical thing to do in that case, and I think if the Texans play their starters for a significant amount of time on Sunday, they’ve made the wrong decision.

TW: If the Titans do go to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs, how do you like their chances?

CF: The Titans took care of the Chiefs earlier this year, and they’re plenty capable of doing it again. The Chiefs are a strong team, but the Titans have proven they can shut them down.

TW: How big of a surprise has A.J. Brown been?

CF: I think we all knew he was capable of this, but how quickly he’s gotten to this level is what’s truly amazing. He’s fully cemented the WR1 spot, and rightfully so.

TW: Will Arthur Smith get any consideration for coaching gigs this offseason?

CF: Absolutely. He’s brought this Titans offense to a new level. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some head coaching gigs on the table.

TW: How do you think LSU will do against the Sooners?

CF: They’re heavy favorites for a reason. The Sooners are simply outmatched in terms of talent, and are dealing with suspensions and injuries on top of that. The Tigers win by at least 10.

tw: what’s your prediction for sunday? any bold predictions?

CF: The Titans will beat the Texans, 27-20. Bold prediction? Perhaps (and hopefully for the team’s sake) Watson will be on the bench by halftime.

Five standouts from Titans’ 31-17 win over Colts

Here are five standouts from the victory.

The Tennessee Titans (7-5) look like a much more put-together team than when they last faced the Indianapolis Colts (6-6) and fell 19-17 on their home turf.

That showed when they recorded a 31-17 victory on the road in Indianapolis this week. With the victory, the Titans now sit on a three-game winning streak.

Here are five standouts from the victory.

1. QB Ryan Tannehill.

Did anyone truly believe Tannehill would handle the offense as well as he has after taking Marcus Mariota’s place. He’s only lost one game as a starter for Tennessee, and the team seems to have totally turned themselves around in his presence.

Tannehill was 17-of-22 passing for 182 yards and two touchdowns — without an interception. Jacoby Brissett can hardly say the same.

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