1. A much improved running game
The lack of a running game was a killer to the entire team last season. The Titans often found themselves abandoning the run after getting behind early. This led to a painfully predictable approach on offense and kept the defense on the field for far too long. A full offseason for Bishop Sankey and the addition of fifth-round pick David Cobb will improve the Titans rushing offense, which ranked 26th last season.
2. A much improved defense
The arrival of Dick LeBeau is exciting for both Titans players and fans. After spending the last decade in Pittsburgh as the Steelers Defensive Coordinator, LeBeau was hired by the Titans as an Assistant Head Coach (with full control of the defense) in February. In addition to LeBeau, the Titans also signed three new starters via free agency: OLB Brian Orakpo, SS Da’Norris Searcy, and CB Perrish Cox. The Titans defense isn’t talented enough to reach elite status yet, but fans should expect a vast improvement over last season’s 27th ranked unit.
3. Less opposing fans at LP Field
One of the most painful aspects of Titans games in recent years, aside from the team getting pummeled week in and week out, has been the increasing number of empty seats and opposing fans taking over LP Field. Expect to see a sea full of blue Mariota jerseys in 2015 and hopefully for many seasons to come. The fastest way to prevent large crowds of opposing fans from taking over LP Field: win games.
Nov 17, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; General view of the helmets of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans on the ESPN Monday Night Countdown set at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
4. More national coverage
Titans fans have grown accustomed to their team being overlooked and disrespected by a staggering lack of national coverage. The moment the Titans selected Marcus Mariota with the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, this all changed. The Titans have received an unprecedented amount of national coverage on ESPN and NFL Network, and you can expect that to continue for the remainder of the year. Fans have Mariota to thank for this.
5. A bounce-back year for Kendall Wright
After Kendall Wright amassed 1,079 yards on 94 receptions in 2013, the young wide receiver took a significant step back in 2014 with just 715 yards on 57 receptions. Expect for his numbers to improve in 2015, as the Titans will need to look to get Wright more involved in the passing game.
7. A slow start from DGB
Seen as one of the most talented players in the entire 2015 NFL Draft, Dorial Green-Beckham comes with high expectations. DGB was once upon a time the #1 overall prospect in the country coming out of high school. But the gifted rookie missed out on a lot of development in college, as he was dismissed from Missouri in April 2014 for various off-field incidents. His last game action was on January 3, 2014. Despite DGB’s unquestionable talent, he is a very raw prospect. He’ll need to develop more consistency in his route running in addition to catching passes with his hands rather than his body. He’s certainly capable of having a solid rookie season, but Titans fans need to temper expectations a bit.
8. Ups and downs from Mariota
This is the typical story for any rookie QB. Be patient, Titans fans. Mariota isn’t going to take the league by storm and put up the video game numbers he posted at Oregon. Rookie growing pains are just part of the process. Mariota is bound to wow fans on multiple occasions throughout the season. He’ll also experience his fair share of struggles.
Titans make a defensive stop on a crucial 3rd down.
9. More wins
This one should be fairly obvious. 2-14 was the worst record in the franchise’s history (including the Oilers era). Prior to last season, the Titans reached at least 6 wins in every season since 2006. Fans can expect the team to be much more competitive in 2015.
10. No playoffs
Despite the almost certainty of more wins in 2015, playoffs are still not a likely outcome. 2-14 teams rarely make an immediate jump to the playoffs, so it wouldn’t be wise for Titans fans to get that excited. That said, in recent history both the Chiefs and Colts managed to pull off the quick turnaround. However, in the Titans case there are just too many areas in need of improvement for fans to expect playoffs in year one of the Mariota era. It’s hard to envision a scenario in which the Titans can top .500 this season, but there’s always hope.
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