The Tennessee Titans have finished at 9-7 three seasons in a row. However, the AFC South franchise failed to win a division title during that span while reaching the playoffs only once — granted the Titans did defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in stunning fashion back in 2017-18.
Nonetheless, the Titans remain in a very competitive division alongside the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and Houston Texans while Tennessee's window for success continues to close as each day passes. As a result, the Titans will have a lot to prove in 2019-20 with soon-to-be second-year head coach Mike Vrabel set to lead his men into battle.
Though the team as a whole has a lot to prove going forward, three Titans players in particular need to get off to a fast start during training camp.
3. Marcus Mariota
This one is a no brainer. Although Titans head coach Mike Vrabel has said time and time again this offseason that Marcus Mariota is the team's undisputed starting quarterback heading into 2019, the former Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 overall pick is currently gearing up for a make or break season. With his rookie contract set to expire after the 2019 campaign, Mariota is no doubt playing for his future in Nashville.
Not only that, but the Titans even brought in some insurance for the oft-injured signal caller this offseason en route to acquiring veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill from the Miami Dolphins a few months back. Even so, if Mariota can string together a successful and healthy season, the Titans will surely entertain the idea of signing him to an extension sooner rather than later.
2. Corey Davis
The Titans notably selected former Ole Miss wide receiver A.J. Brown in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. While currently slated to serve as a No. 2 option for the Titans behind fellow wide out Corey Davis, Brown's presence will definitely put a bit of pressure on his up-and-coming counterpart during training camp. In addition, the Titans added the services of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers slot receiver Adam Humphries by way of the free agent market earlier in the offseason, which will limit the amount of targets that Davis ultimately receives. With veteran tight end Delanie Walker returning from injury as well, Davis will need to make the most of the targets and opportunities that he does receive this offseason.
Though he will more than likely serve as the Titans top target entering Week 1 of the regular season in 2019, doing so with some confidence and a chip on his shoulder will not doubt serve Davis well his third NFL season.
1. Harold Landry
Perhaps an underlying storyline in Tennessee at the moment, soon-to-be second-year pass rusher Harold Landry could be in for a huge season in 2019. On Monday, it was formally announced that former Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan has retired from NFL, eliminating the possibility of his return to Tennessee. With such a decision paving the way for Landry, the up-and-coming defender will not only see an increased workload but also more first-team reps in both practice and during games.
It is also worth noting that the Titans signed former Miami Dolphins defense end Cameron Wake this offseason while adding yet another veteran to what could serve as a stacked unit for defensive coordinator Dean Pees. While Wake gives the Titans another option along the outside, it also gives Landry some competition to compete against during training camp.
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