Record: 7-9 (2nd place AFC South)
Playoffs: N/A
New Head coach: Ken Whisenhunt
Notable Assistants: Jason Michael (Offensive Coordinator), Ray Horton (Defensive Coordinator), Nate Kaczor (Special Teams), John McNulty (Quarterbacks Coach).
Regular Season Overview
The Titans definitely had their share of struggles this year and it cost the coaching staff their jobs. Mike Munchak and his staff failed to get much out of team this year. Despite the Week 2 lost to a Texans team that would finish 2-14 the Titans started the season strong. With wins over the Steelers, Chargers, and Jets the team was 3-1 to start off the year. Unfortunately that’s also where it fell apart after the team lost three straight heading into the bye week against three of the top four teams this season, (Chiefs, Seahawks, and 49ers). It didn’t help that they were swept by the Colts and split the season series with the Jaguars.
Yes I will say this, the Titans had one of the toughest schedules in the league. Not too many teams would have a pretty record after playing the Seahawks, 49ers, Chiefs, Broncos, Cardinals, and the Colts twice. I can give them a break and recognize that yes this year was an uphill battle for them and that they did ok for the schedule they had. But in the NFL ok isn’t good enough and a good team would not only sweep bad teams like the Texans and Jaguars, but find away to beat one or two of the good teams as well.
Biggest Win
In a tough love sense none of their wins were really big in a sense. They beat all the teams that they were supposed to beat. Most may say the two wins to close out the season were big, but I don’t think close games that meant absolutely nothing against two of the worst teams in the league count as big. Their biggest win had to be the win over the Chargers in Week three. San Diego was the only playoff team the Titans beat and Philip Rivers was his old self last year. The Titans won the game by three scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to win the game. Jake Locker had a great game throwing for 299 yards and a touchdown. Chris Johnson also pitched in racking up 90 yards on the ground.
Toughest Lost
Hands down the toughest loss of the year had to be the week 10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars were one of the worst teams in the league this year so the loss to them will sting at any point in the season. But the fact they lost to Jacksonville as they were trying to pull a winning streak together after their bye week and that three game losing skid. Top with the injury of your franchise quarterback in the making Jake Locker, the fact that they had the whole fourth quarter to overcome those two points, and finally the 0-8 Jaguars got to 1-8 because of you, makes this especially tough.
Offensive MVP
Kendall Wright 1,079 Receiving Yards, 94 Catches, Two Touchdowns
Wright had a breakout season with some pretty big games this season. You would like to see him find pay dirt a lot more often but as a second year receiver with over 1000 yards receiving and 90 plus catches you can’t help but be pleased. Especially since he played with his back up quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick for a large part of the season.
Defensive MVP
Alterraun Verner 57 Total Tackles, 49 Solo, eight Assist, five Interceptions
Verner had a spectacular year and is now considered to be one of the best corners in the league. Heading into the off season he is one of the most sought after corners in the entire league after making it to this years Pro Bowl and leading the Titans in Interceptions.
Most Disappointing Player
Chris Johnson 1,077 Rush Yards, 279 Carries, 345 Receiving Yards, 10 Total Touchdowns
Johnson wasn’t terrible and I was actually happy to see him able to play in every game this season. But when you're a former 2000 yard rusher and your team needs you to step up do to injuries, 3.9 yards a carry isn’t enough. I would like to see Johnson be a little more consistent as that would really help the Titans a lot. He can’t keep playing well in some games and disappearing for the next two.
Best Rookie
Chance Warmack 16 Games Started
Warmack was the team's number one pick in last years draft and he started in all 16 games this year at guard. His was part of an offensive line that produced a 1000 yard rusher and only allowed 37 quarterback sacks which isn’t that bad. In contrast, this year Ryan Tannehill was sacked 58 times.
Statistical Leaders
QB- Ryan Fitzpatrick 2,454 Yards, 14 Touchdowns, 12 Interceptions
RB- Chris Johnson 1,077 Rush Yards, 279 Carries, Six Touchdowns
WR- Kendall Wright 94 Receptions, 1,079 Yards, Two Touchdowns
TE- Delanie Walker 60 Receptions, 571 Yards, Six Touchdowns
Tackles- Bernard Pollard 99 Total, 77 Solo, 22 Assist, Three Interceptions
Sacks- Jurrell Casey 55 Total Tackles, 38 Solo, 17 Assist, 10.5 Sacks, One Forced
Fumble
INT- Alterraun Verner 57 Total Tackles, 49 Solo, Eight Assist, Five Interceptions