The Tennessee Titans have quite the task to live up to in continuing last year’s offensive success.
The man in charge of all of that, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, fielded a host of questions from reporters on Wednesday.
Of course, some of those surrounding star running back Derrick Henry, who ended off last season with the NFL’s rushing title with a total of 1,540 yards on the ground.
Derrick Henry had a league-leading 303 carries during the 2019 regular season, + 83 more in the playoffs.
How many carries will he get in 2020? #Titans OC Arthur Smith: "We'll see how the season evolves for him and if another running back emerges."
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) June 3, 2020
Behind Henry, the Titans have rookie rusher Darrynton Evans out of Appalachian State.
#Titans' Arthur Smith: Excited about potential of rookie Darrynton Evans, very smart and has a lot of potential. Gives team another element.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 3, 2020
Smith also weighed in on the addition of former offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson, whom the Titans selected with the No, 29 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Arthur Smith on Isaiah Wilson: There's familiarity. He played in a lot of zone schemes at Georgia and had one of the best OLine coaches in Sam Pittman. We have to see when he gets here and hope he takes off. We know his background but we'll have to see. #Titans
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 3, 2020
Moving over to receiver, Smith mentioned several names for the fourth spot on the depth chart.
As for the 4th WR spot, #Titans OC Arthur Smith mentioned Kalif Raymond but credited Cody Hollister and Rashard Davis for chipping in at times. Smith also brought up Cam Batson (a guy Vrabel really Iikes).
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) June 3, 2020
He also referred to wideout Corey Davis an “unsung hero” on some plays from the 2019 season,
#Titans' Arthur Smith: Corey Davis was an unsung hero on some explosive plays last yr. Believes he'll take another step forward in 2020.
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) June 3, 2020
The Titans look a bit different at tight end this year with veteran Delanie Walker officially off the roster. But there are some players to watch in that room, and Jonnu Smith probably comes to mind first.
Smith is looking forward to the pass-catcher continuing to come into his own.
#Titans OC Arthur Smith on Jonnu Smith as the TE1: "He's come a long way. … He kind of does it all. He's gotten better year to year and hopefully takes another step."
— Erik Bacharach (@ErikBacharach) June 3, 2020
As things begin to open up more and COVID-19 restrictions continue to loosen up across the country, it will be interesting to see how this year’s team comes together when they get back to the football field.