As the final ticks of the game clock wound down to 0:00, I began to ponder all that is to come and what had come to pass for the Tennessee Titans. Just 24 hours after the 30-24 loss in Indianapolis, GM Ruston Webster’s contract was not renewed. Thus, began a search for not only a Head Coach, but a GM as well. All of that will be figured out in the coming days and weeks of 2016.
That being said, the Titans were in a lot of games this year, 8 of them to be exact. This is why 2014 felt much worse than the season that just expired. I know, I know, moral victories. Of the 256 regular season NFL games played in 2015, 131 of them (for the first time in NFL history) were decided by 7 points or less. When you consider the Titans lost 6 of the above mentioned 8 games by 6 points or less, it makes you realize it’s really a game of inches.
Marcus Mariota had a really nice rookie season 2818 yards passing, 19 TD’s and 10 Int’s. His 87 yard touchdown run against Jacksonville at Nissan Stadium held up as the longest run of the entire NFL season. His protection and health will be the main focal point, of whatever the Titans do this offseason.
Rookie WR Dorial Green-Beckham lead all wide receivers with 549 yards on 32 catches and added 4 touchdowns. He has had his rookie ups and downs, but appears to be on the right track.
I am a glass half full kind of guy (if you haven’t figured this out already). Yes it was a long and tough season for Titans Radio too. But, there are several bright spots on the field to look forward to in 2016:
Marcus Mariota will be here for a minimum of 4 more years and will continue show everyone why he was selected 2nd overall in the 2015 draft.
Tight End Delanie Walker (who by the way had a monster year at the position) is still here through 2016.
Explosive Wide Receiver Kendall Wright is also here through 2016.
The Titans Defense will have OLB Derrick Morgan, OLB Brian Orakpo, DL Jurrell Casey & CB Jason McCourty all locked up in long term contracts for several seasons to come.
Don’t overlook Special Teams either. They have long snapper Beau Brinkley, Kicker Ryan Succop and Punter Brett Kern all locked up for the next 4 seasons. Succop and Kern had an excellent season.
Yes the Titans finished 3-13 and hold the 1st overall pick in the 2016 draft this April too!
Whoever is calling the shots at General Manager and Head Coach for the Titans will have many things to do and some bright spots (mentioned above) to do it with.
Thanks for all of you who listened to our broadcast on gameday in 2015.
Rhett Bryan – Titans Radio Executive Producer
