If the Tennessee Titans want to build on their 2019 campaign that saw them make it all the way to the AFC Championship Game, they’re going to need their very best players to step up in 2020.
But which Titans player stands the best chance of being the team’s Most Valuable Player for the upcoming season?
Dan Hanzus of NFL.com believes it is none other than running back Derrick Henry.
“Henry was an incredible workhorse for the Titans in 2019, piling up more than 400 touches over 18 games. That’s rarefied air in league history, and it’s fair to wonder if that workload is sustainable in the long term. (It’s certainly the question the Titans are asking themselves as they weigh whether or not to hand Henry a big extension.) But in the here and now, we have faith Henry will continue to be a stud in 2020, even with Jack Conklin now opening running lanes for Nick Chubb in Cleveland. Ryan Tannehill was a revelation last season, and there are football heads smarter than me who believe he won’t be a flash in the pan in Nashville. But Henry is the better player and safer bet to be the engine that carries the Titans back to postseason football.”
Henry, who was easily the team’s MVP last season, is certainly the most logical choice after leading the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns. The Alabama product is the heart and soul of the Titans’ offense and everything it does runs through him.
In fact, a big reason for quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s success in 2019 was because of play-action, which is set up by the mere threat of Henry running the football.
Tannehill himself is another candidate to be the team’s MVP — that is, if he can play at the level he did last season for a full 16-game slate. The former No. 8 overall pick led the NFL in passer rating and yards per completion, and finished second in completion percentage.
A.J. Brown will be another popular pick. While there will no doubt be concerns about a sophomore slump, Brown has the potential to put up massive numbers with Tannehill under center for an entire season.
On defense, guys like outside linebacker Harold Landry, safety Kevin Byard and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson are players to keep an eye on for team MVP, although it’s always more difficult for defenders to earn such a distinction.
At the end of the day, Henry is the runaway favorite to be the man, as his importance to this offense and workhorse workload gives him the best chance to make the biggest impact in 2020.
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