Tennessee Titans NFL Season Recap

Tennessee Titans NFL Betting Odds

Tennessee had its first 10-win season since 2008, and the Titans finished above .500 for the fifth straight year in 2020. However, it was a disappointing year for this franchise as Tennessee was one and done in the playoffs after advancing to the AFC Championship Game last season. Baltimore avenged last year’s Divisional Round loss to Tennessee with a 20-13 victory highlighted by a Lamar Jackson touchdown run.

Tennessee Titans Season Recap

A 5-1 record against the AFC South led to Tennessee winning its first division title in 12 years. The Titans split with Indianapolis and swept Houston and Jacksonville on their way to an 11-5 mark. This team had just one bad loss on the year, at Cincinnati, and Tennessee hammered Buffalo and beat Baltimore in the regular season.

Derrick Henry was sensational throughout the 2020 season. Henry became the eighth running back in NFL history to surpass 2,000 yards in a season, and Tennessee is now the first team to have two running backs reach that milestone. In an era where workhorse running backs are largely a thing of the past, Henry showed his durability with 378 carries for 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was particularly effective against division opponents with 1,042 yards and nine scores in six games against the AFC South.

Although he has been better since coming to Tennessee, it’s clear there is a ceiling for Ryan Tannehill. He has posted great numbers with the Titans, but he has largely thrived off play action and has one of the most talented receivers in the league with A.J. Brown. In 28 games, Tannehill has thrown for 6,561 yards with 55 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His numbers take a considerable hit when Tennessee is unable to establish the run with Henry though.

Brown was the third-ranked receiver according to Pro Football Focus in 2020. He still doesn’t get the recognition he deserves though. Despite missing two games, Brown had 70 receptions for 1,075 yards with 11 touchdowns. His presence has helped Corey Davis finally live up to his potential as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Davis had 65 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns this year, and he would have registered his first 1,000-yard season if he didn’t miss two games.

Tennessee’s offense ended up as one of the best in the league with 29.6 PPG (fourth in the NFL) and 385.4 YPG (sixth in the NFL). However, the Titans took some major steps back on defense. They allowed 27.0 PPG (24th in the NFL), 398.4 YPG (29th in the NFL), and they ranked dead last in third-down conversion rate with opponents picking up 52 percent of their conversions.

The loss of Jurrell Casey really hurt a defense that suddenly couldn’t stop the run. DaQuan Jones wasn’t as sturdy up front, and Jeffery Simmons’ impact was muted. The bigger issues were with injuries though as Jadeveon Clowney missed eight games, Jayon Brown missed six games, and top cornerback Adoree Jackson only played in three games all year.

There will be some long looks at the defensive backs too this offseason. Kenny Vaccaro and Kevin Byard didn’t have anywhere near the same production, and Malcolm Butler didn’t look to grade out well either. Tennessee traded for Desmond King in early November to try and improve the secondary, but he didn’t help much. This will be the side of the ball Tennessee looks to improve through the draft and free agency.

Brown, Clowney, Davis, and Jones will all be free agents this offseason. It will be interesting to see what Tennessee does given its cap situation. The Titans do have all their important picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, so that bodes well for this team’s plans to retool and contend in a pretty weak division.

Tennessee Titans Schedule & Results

Titans Past Seasons (2000)

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