Tag: Tennesse Titans

Titans among teams pushing for ‘contender status’

Will the offseason additions help the Titans make the playoffs?

Following a 6-11 season, the Tennessee Titans underwent measurable changes toward improving the roster for the upcoming 2024 NFL season.

General manager Ran Carthon was proactive in upgrading nearly every position group, highlighted by free-agent signings Calvin Ridley, Tyler Boyd, Tony Pollard, and Lloyd Cushenberry on the offensive side of the ball.

Defensively, the Titans added a ton as well. Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, Chidobe Awuzie, Kenneth Murray, and L’Jarius Sneed will all be new faces this season.

As such, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon recently identified three teams pushing toward being contenders, including the Titans.

Here is his analysis:

The Tennessee Titans remain a long shot in 2024, but there’s an element of “you only live once” surrounding a team that could have the right pieces in place to disrupt a potentially wide-open division if quarterback Will Levis can deliver as a sophomore.

This summer, the Titans have added three well-known veterans who may be beyond their prime but could bring some late-career leadership and possibly even some jolts to the team.

Jamal Adams is a three-time Pro Bowler and still just 28 years old, while 31-year-old Shane Ray once had an eight-season campaign in Denver and could be motivated in what is likely his last NFL shot. Quandre Diggs is coming off a 95-tackle age-30 campaign in Seattle.

Those guys might not put Tennessee over the top, but if they can click in an experienced defense and Levis can excel thanks in part to a battle-tested receiving corps featuring Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd along with the returning DeAndre Hopkins, who knows.

Gagnon notes the offseason additions, which will help the Titans improve upon their disappointing record a year ago. That’s the hope, anyway.

However, as he alluded, the upcoming season is largely predicated on the development of second-year quarterback Will Levis.

The former 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft threw for over 1,800 yards as a rookie, but he completed just 58.4 percent of his passes, the lowest among all qualified quarterbacks in the National Football League.

Again, the additions to the wide receiver room and the pass-catching abilities from the running back position should aid Levis in taking the necessary steps toward proving that he is the franchise quarterback.

If he can do that, the Titans record will likely reflect it.

One thing to watch in Titans vs. Saints preseason game

As the Tennessee Titans continue to prepare for the 2024 season, here is one thing to keep an eye on during their preseason finale.

Week 3 of the preseason starts Thursday night when the Indianapolis Colts travel to Ohio to take on the Cincinnati Bengals.

For fans of the Tennessee Titans, the wait will be longer. The Titans will not hit the field until Sunday when they hit the road to take on the New Orleans Saints.

Eric Edholm of NFL.com believes fans should keep an eye on one ascending player.

TITANS: If there has been a surprising preseason standout, it has been seventh-round pick Jaylen Harrell. The 252nd overall selection (five picks away from being Mr. Irrelevant), (Harrell) has looked like an NFL-caliber defender in camp and two preseason games; he added two more sacks against the Seahawks last week and seems almost certain to make the opening roster. Assuming Arden Key and Harold Landry are the Week 1 starters, the Titans likely will want to see more from their next cadre of rushers in this final preseason game. That interesting group includes Harrell, Rashad Weaver, Caleb Murphy and Shane Ray.

Harrell has been the talk of the town this week after his standout performance against the Seattle Seahawks last Saturday. The former seventh-round draft choice made quite an impact in his 18 snaps, recording 2.0 sacks and three quarterback pressures.

Known as a straight-line pass rusher coming out of Michigan, the 6-foot-4, 242-pound linebacker seems to have made a smoother transition to the NFL than the scouting reports projected. That’s good news for the Titans as they look to find some depth behind projected starters Arden Keys and Harold Landry.

As the preseason draws to an end, the battle for edge depth on the Titans’ roster will sort itself out. Harrell is clearly in the mix, battling Rashad Weaver, Caleb Murphy, and Shane Ray for a roster spot. Sunday will be another chance to make an impact and show he belongs.

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Titans’ L’Jarius Sneed a potential first-time Pro Bowler?

Tennessee Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is still searching for his first Pro Bowl. Could it happen in 2024?

The NFL preseason is always a time to look ahead and attempt to predict which players will take the next step in their careers. It is also a time to assess a roster and project who will be the next Pro Bowler to emerge.

Ken Patra from NFL.com predicted one potential Pro Bowler from each team. He came up with a surprising name for the Tennessee Titans: cornerback L’Jarius Sneed.

It is mindboggling that Sneed hasn’t received any postseason accolades. No Pro Bowl. No All-Pros. Maybe voters dislike all the penalties the physical corner collects? (Shrug emoji.) All I know is that Sneed is a bully who makes receivers work for everything. His -29.7 target EPA ranked third among corners in the NFL last season (min. 300 snaps), and his -.33 EPA/target was fourth, per NGS. Now in Tennessee after a March trade, Sneed will lead a revamped defense under new coordinator Dennard Wilson. Helping turn around a unit that was torched under the previous regime should finally bring Sneed the recognition he deserves.

The Titans made a splash this offseason by rebuilding their secondary, with Sneed being the centerpiece of the overhaul. After working out a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Titans rewarded Sneed with a four-year, $76.4 million deal, including $55 million in guaranteed money and a $20 million signing bonus. 

For the former 2020 fourth-round pick out of Louisiana Tech, Sneed has a contract that supports his on-field accomplishments, and now all he needs is postseason accolades to catch up. Since being drafted, he has started 57 regular season games over the past four seasons, and he’s recorded 10 interceptions, 6.5 sacks, and 40 passes defensed. The two-time Super Bowl champion is now looking to become a first-time Pro Bowler, and the Titans will benefit from his presence in the back-end of their secondary.

 

Titans rookie LB sounds like a lock to make 53-man roster

Tennessee Titans rookie linebacker Jaylen Harrell received high praise on Sunday, and it appears he is a lock for the 53-man roster.

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan minced no words regarding rookie linebacker Jaylen Harrell during Sunday’s press conference.

“He was a seventh-round pick that nobody thought much of to being probably a pretty strong rotational player for us,” Callahan said, via Broadway Sports Media’s Easton Freeze. “It’s been good to see.”

Harrell was a standout performer in the Titans’ 16-15 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. Despite only playing in 18 snaps, he recorded 2.0 sacks and three quarterback pressures.

As a result, he was named the Titans Wire “Player of the Game.”

While the Titans have been sorting out the Arden Key situation, which appears to finally be resolved, Harrell has been quietly working in the background. The Michigan product was listed in a third-string role on the Titans’ first unofficial depth chart.

However, he looks to not only be a lock for the 53-man roster but, as Callahan alluded, has the potential to see quite a bit of playing time in his first season.

The 6-foot-4, 242-pound linebacker was a significant disruptor in college. He registered 31 tackles, including nine for loss, 6.5 sacks, one pass deflection, and two forced fumbles in 15 games as a senior.

However, the scouting report on Harrell coming out of school was that he was a straight-line rusher, a technique that could have difficulty finding success at the next level. Since then, though, he has taken the necessary measures to get around NFL offensive linemen.

Are the Titans surprised Harrell is having success?

“I’m not surprised,” Callahan said. “He played in a similar-style defense, and he’s been coached. He came from a blue blood program. Those guys tend to show up. They played in big games. They played in winning programs. They know what it takes, and we’ve seen all that.

“He played a physical brand of football in college, and it turns out he plays a physical brand of football here. He’s been really, really good in the run. He’s developing as a rusher. He’s shown up. He’s got production on the quarterback, but he’s learning how to rush the NFL way, which I think he’s going to improve rapidly in that way, too.”

Harrell and the Titans return to the practice field this week before Sunday’s preseason finale against the New Orleans Saints.

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3 reasons the Vikings should sign Robert Woods

Would the Vikings want to bring in Robert Woods, whom Kevin O’Connell worked with in Los Angeles? @MattAnderson_8 makes the case to sign him

The Tennessee Titans were busy on Wednesday afternoon in making roster cuts. They cut three players with wide receiver Robers Woods being one of them.

Despite the Minnesota Vikings already having a stacked wide receiver room featuring Adam Thielen, K.J. Osborn and Justin Jefferson, the idea of bringing Robert Woods onto the team should be one that fans at least consider.

While Woods turns 31 in April, he has an impressive track record of making big plays and being a great player on an NFL team, so there’s no denying that Woods would be a valuable addition to the Vikings’ roster. Let’s take a look at some reasons why the Vikings should sign Robert Woods.

Texans vs. Titans Wednesday injury report: WR Brandin Cooks fully practices

Houston Texans WR Brandin Cooks had a full day of practice on Wednesday as the team prepares for the Tennessee Titans in Week 16.

The Houston Texans released their second injury report of Week 16 as they prepare to take on the Tennessee Titans Dec. 24 at 12:00 p.m. Central Time from Nissan Stadium.

The most notable item was receiver Brandin Cooks (calf), who had his first full day of practice since Nov. 25. Cooks has missed the past three games.

Defensive ends Mario Addison, Jerry Hughes, and defensive tackle Maliek Collins did not practice but were listed as “not injury related – rest.”

Receiver Nico Collins (foot) and guard Kenyon Green (ankle) did not practice.

Guard Jimmy McCray (hamstring) and receiver Chris Moore (foot) were listed as limited.

Left tackle Laremy Tunsil (illness), defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (illness), linebacker Christian Kirksey (elbow), and cornerback Steven Nelson (foot/knee) were listed as full participants.

For the Titans, running back Derrick Henry did not practice, although it was not injured related. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (ankle) and center Ben Jones (concussion) did not practice.

For more information on Tennessee’s injury report, check out the Titans Wire.

Carolina Panthers sign former Texas RB D’Onta Foreman

After a breakout season in 2021, D’Onta Foreman will sign with the Carolina Panthers.

Free agent running back D’Onta Foreman will take his talents to the Carolina Panthers next season to serve as a nice “change of pace” back with Christian McCaffrey in the backfield. His deal is good for one year, $2 million.

After spending most of his first three seasons in the league injured or on the bench, Foreman revived his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans in 2021.

The former Longhorn tallied 566 yards on 133 carries, good for an impressive 4.3 yards per carry.

Many experts wrote the Tennessee Titans off when superstar running back Derrick Henry went down with an injury. Foreman’s adequate work kept the Titans afloat and was a major reason the Titans secured the top spot in the AFC.

Foreman took home the 2016 Doak Walker Award in his final season as a Texas Longhorn. He is now finding a comfortable role in the NFL.

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.

Texas ex D’Onta Foreman is having the best season of his NFL career

D’Onta Foreman has become a key piece in the Titans playoff push.

Stepping in for the reigning NFL offensive player of the year is no easy task but D’Onta Foreman is making the most out of his opportunity.

The 2017 third round pick of the Houston Texans is making a name for himself after a slow start to his career.

In the seven games Foreman has played since Henry’s injury, the former Longhorn has totaled 473 yards of offense and a couple of touchdowns. Including this score to tie the game in a pivotal Thursday night matchup against San Francisco.

Foreman was able to pass the century mark against the strong Steelers and Patriots defenses.

The strong play of Foreman has kept the Titans in the thick of the playoff race. Many expected Tennesse to fall apart when Henry went down, but the Titans have kept a winning record since.

Foreman won the Doak Walker Award back in 2016 as a Texas Longhorn. An honor given to the best running back in the country over the course of a single season.

Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions.

Texans DE Jonathan Greenard says Titans are still a run heavy team

Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard says the defense is still prepping for the Tennessee Titans run game as if Derrick Henry were playing.

The Houston Texans don’t have to prepare for Derrick Henry when they face the Tennessee Titans Sunday at Nissan Stadium.

At least the 1-8 Texans get a break in some way as they take an 8-2 squad intent on wrapping up the AFC South early.

However, defensive end Jonathan Greenard says the Titans have not changed their run heavy philosophy just because Henry will be out of the game. In fact, the Texans have taken the same approach for preparing for Tennessee that they would if Henry were healthy.

“It’s not necessarily not preparing for him because, he says he’s out but we are going to prepare as if he could suit up Sunday,” said Greenard. “They are still going to run the ball the same way. I think when you have a 6-3 guy back there, it’s kind of unheard of.”

The Titans have a stable of running backs who are getting the job done in the absence of Henry. Tennessee added former NFL MVP running back Adrian Peterson to the fold to complement Jeremy McNichols. The Titans, who have a history of taking things that began in Houston, signed running back D’Onta Foreman, who was the Texans’ 2017 third-round pick from Texas.

“They are still going to run the ball as hard as ever,” Greenard said. “Whoever is back there, they are still going to run hard. They are still expecting the same outcome as 22, so we have to prepare as if 22 was there.”

The Texans have given up 100 yards rushing in seven of their nine games. Needless to say, the Texans are 0-7 when their opponent crests the century mark on the ground. Although Henry won’t be suiting up for Tennessee, the Texans should still have an advantage of not facing an elite back as they defend the run in their series opener with the Titans.

WATCH: King Henry races past the Seahawk defense for a touchdown

King Henry reigns supreme with this 60-yard touchdown run against the Seahawks!

Former Alabama running back Derrick Henry is arguable the top running back in the NFL. His ability has been on full display today against the Seattle Seahawks.

King Henry showed off his speed and power on this 60-yard touchdown run.

Henry has run for a total of 161 yards and three touchdowns today on 30 carries.

Tennessee and Seattle are currently headed to overtime tied at 30.

Stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire for all the latest on Derrick Henry and the rest of the former Tide stars in the NFL.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Stacey Blackwood on Twitter @Blackwood89.