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2018 was a solid season for the Tennessee Titans finishing with a 9-7 record, but that wasn't enough to make the NFL playoffs, and that is the goal. This is a team that is expected to compete again for the AFC South and should be an intriguing year. There are also some major storylines surrounding this team so let's breakdown the four most significant heading into 2019.
Let's Talk About the Quarterbacks
Marcus Mariota heads into this season with no long term extension in place, and he is going to need to prove to the team he is the long term option at quarterback. He also needs to prove to the coaches that he deserves to be the starting quarterback for this full season.
The team brought in Ryan Tannehill, and this is the first real competition to Mariota. The team has made it clear that Mariota is still the starter this year, but if Mariota starts to struggle, there is no doubt going to be some wondering if the team needs to make a change.
One of the biggest issues for Mariota has been his injury history, and it might be something that is keeping the team from giving him a long term extension.
No matter if Tannehill and Mariota is the starter any given week, they are both playing for their futures in this league.
Is Adam Humphries the Real Deal?
Adam Humphries was sometimes overlooked with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but after signing a four year $36 million deal with the Titans, there are high expectations for what he can do. The former Clemson Tiger caught 76 passes for 816 yards and five touchdowns with the Bucs, and if he finishes this season with lower stats than that, it will be a disappointment.
Mariota hasn't had a number one receiver since coming to the Titans, and the hope is that Humphries can embrace that role quickly.
Will Derrick Henry be More Consistent this Year?
Derrick Henry's final stats from last season make it seem like he had a good season, but that doesn't tell the whole story.
Through the first 13 weeks of the season, he didn't ever rush for more than 57 yards. In the final four weeks, he took off rushing for 238, 170, 84, and 93 yards respectively.
The big question for this season is can he be more consistent and maybe rush for 70ish yards a game instead of rushing for 30 yards one game and 150 the next.
There are high hopes for the offense of the Titans, and Henry's play is going to be crucial.
How will the Defense Hold Up?
The Titans were ranked in the top ten last year in yards allowed, but it's not going to get any easier this season. They have to face Nick Foles, Deshaun Watson, and Andrew Luck twice a year.
They signed Brent Urban should help improve the front four, which will take some of the pressure off the secondary. It's going to be tough, but there is no reason this team can't be ranked top ten again, and if that's the case that should make for a good season.
