Tennessee Titans 2024 Preview

The Tennessee Titans are entering the 2024 season with an over/under win total set at 6.5 after a disappointing 6-11 finish in 2023, which led to the end of the Mike Vrabel era.

New head coach Brian Callahan steps in with the task of revitalizing a team that struggled on both sides of the ball last year.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Titans have made several key changes this offseason, particularly at quarterback and wide receiver. However, a challenging schedule and question marks across the roster suggest that while improvement is possible, the road ahead is tough.

Offensive Outlook

Will Levis‘s Development:
- Second-Year QB: Will Levis showed promise as a rookie, posting an 84.2 passer rating with eight touchdowns and four interceptions in limited action. The Titans are banking on him to make a significant leap in his second year, especially with an improved group of receivers.
Receiving Corps Upgrades:
- DeAndre Hopkins & Calvin Ridley: Hopkins returns after a strong season with over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns, while the addition of Calvin Ridley from Jacksonville should bolster the passing attack. Ridley also posted over 1,000 yards in 2023, and his chemistry with Levis will be crucial.
- Tyler Boyd: The Titans also signed Tyler Boyd to play in the slot, adding a reliable veteran presence who knows Callahan’s system well.
Running Back Transition:
- Derrick Henry Out, Tony Pollard In: The Titans parted ways with Derrick Henry, who still managed over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023. Tony Pollard steps in after a solid season with the Cowboys, but while Pollard is productive, he may not fully replace Henry’s impact on the ground.
Offensive Line Needs Improvement:
- O-Line Struggles: The Titans’ offensive line allowed 64 sacks last year, tied for 28th in the league. They’ve made some changes, including drafting JC Latham in the first round to potentially improve the left tackle position and signing Lloyd Cushenberry to play center. However, the line will need to gel quickly to protect Levis and open lanes for Pollard.

Defensive Outlook

Front Seven Consistency:
- Harold Landry Leads the Way: Harold Landry returned from injury to post 10.5 sacks, but the team lost their sack leader, Denico Autry, who had 11.5 sacks. To replace him, they added Sebastian Joseph-Day, a solid player but not as productive in terms of pass rush.
- New Additions: The Titans also drafted T’Vondre Sweat in the second round, who could start at nose tackle. The front seven has the potential to be a strength, particularly against the run, where the Titans excelled last year, allowing just 3.8 yards per carry.
Secondary Concerns:
- Upgrades at Cornerback: The secondary was a weak spot last year, ranking near the bottom in several categories. To address this, the Titans signed L’Jarius Sneed, a top-tier corner from Kansas City, and Chidobe Awuzie, a former Bengal with a solid resume. These additions should improve their pass defense.
- Safety Play Needs Improvement: Safeties Amani Hooker and Elijah Molden struggled last year, each giving up ratings over 105. Improved play from the corners could help, but the safeties will need to step up for the defense to make significant strides.

Season Outlook

The Titans have made some impactful moves this offseason, particularly on offense, but their success will largely depend on Will Levis’s development and the ability of the offensive line to protect him. The defense has potential, but with a tough schedule, the Titans will be tested week in and week out.

Win Total Floor: 5 Wins
- Why? With a challenging schedule that features only three games against teams projected to win 6.5 games or fewer, the Titans could struggle to pick up wins, especially if Levis doesn’t make the expected leap or the secondary doesn’t improve as hoped.
Win Total Ceiling: 9 Wins
- Why? If Levis clicks with his new receivers and the defense holds up against the run, the Titans could surprise some teams and reach a 9-8 record. This would be a significant improvement but still short of playoff contention in a competitive AFC.

Final Thoughts

The Titans are a team in transition with potential for growth, but much of their success hinges on the development of their young quarterback and the performance of their revamped offensive line. The defense, while solid against the run, needs to improve against the pass, and the new additions in the secondary will be key to that improvement.

Key Points Recap

Will Levis’s development in year two is critical for the Titans’ success.
Upgrades at wide receiver with DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, and Tyler Boyd provide Levis with better weapons.
The offensive line must improve significantly to protect Levis and establish the run game with Tony Pollard.
The defense has the pieces to be solid, particularly against the run, but the secondary remains a concern.
Win total projection: 5 to 9 wins, with 7-10 being the most likely outcome due to a tough schedule and uncertainties at key positions.

Titans fans, while this season may be a rebuilding year, there’s potential for growth and development that could set the stage for a more competitive future. Keep an eye on Levis’s progression and the impact of the new additions as the season unfolds!

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