It was a rough year for the Tennessee Titans’ offense, and the blame can be laid at the feet of offensive coordinator Todd Downing mostly, with an assist from quarterback Ryan Tannehill, shoddy pass protection, and injuries.
However, for those fans who are hoping to see a change at one or both spots, don’t hold your breath for anything to happen.
In his year-end presser, Vrabel praised Downing and didn’t sound like a head coach who is looking to make a change.
“I think he’s a great coach, I think he’s a hard worker. There’s always going to be calls you’d like to have back, plays you’d like to have back,” Vrabel said. “Try to see how guys communicate with each other… are we all on the same page? Is there good communication? How did we do on third down? How did we do in the red zone? Things have to be better in all three phases each and every year, but I love the relationship Todd has with the assistant coaches and the players. We’ll all continue to improve.”
When asked if there would be any coaching changes made, Vrabel would only say that the team will meet this week to evaluate things. He also said injuries would be a factor in how they evaluate the team’s performance.
Vrabel when asked about coaching staff and whether it will return intact: Said there will be meetings throughout the week@Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) January 24, 2022
Mike Vrabel says they'll absolutely factor who was available (injuries) into evaluating how the #Titans performed last season. Vrabel believes in the "Xs and Os are overcome by the Jimmys and Joes" concept.
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) January 24, 2022
Public enemy No. 2 right now is Tannehill, who tossed three picks in the divisional-round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. While some fans may want to part ways with Tannehill in 2022, that simply isn’t possible.
Not only does his huge cap hits the next two seasons make him untradeable, he also carries a dead-cap hit of $57.4 million in 2022 and $18.8 million in 2023, so cutting him isn’t a realistic option, either.
Vrabel threw his support behind his embattled quarterback as well.
“We have to be great around him (Tannehill), but he’s shown signs of accuracy, of decision-making, to the ability to extend plays and scramble, and leadership,” Vrabel said. “So, those are all things you look for in a quarterback, and Ryan showed us that. Unfortunately, we turned the ball over on Saturday.”
What the Titans can do at quarterback is bring in a better backup option as an insurance policy, and they could even draft one to be Tannehill’s eventual successor in a year or two.
More immediate fixes include bringing in a new offensive coordinator and more pieces around Tannehill. Even then, none of that guarantees Tannehill will be able to rise to the occasion next time around.