We are just three days away from the start of the NFL season for 26 NFL teams. With the Giants set to face a tough Tennessee Titans roster, it’s time to shift our eyes onto the enemy of Week 1 for New York.
The Giants have a new coaching staff, and front office, but the Titans on the other hand have much to prove after a disappointing playoff exit last season. Star players have departed, questionable draft picks have been made, and injuries have already plagued a team that was the number one overall seed in the AFC playoffs in 2021.
So as we get closer to the Giants’ first meaningful football game in months, it’s time to take an eye on their enemy for week one.
Tennessee Titans
2021 Record: 12-5 (lost in the divisional round to Cincinnati)
Offensive Rank: 17th
Defensive Rank: 6th
Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Mike Vrabel
Offensive Coordinator: Todd Downing
Defensive Coordinator: Shane Bowen
Special Teams Coordinator: Craig Aukerman
Offensive Overview
The Titans’ 2022 offseason was met with a ton of uncertainty. AJ Brown, a 24-year-old pro-bowl wideout was traded on draft day to Philadelphia, Julio Jones was allowed to walk, and the team drafted Malik Willis in the third round of the NFL Draft. Teams who are set at quarterback rarely make a reach for a top quarterback prospect, so questions surrounding Ryan Tannehill’s future will certainly increase this season. While the offensive line isn’t as dominant as it once was, Tennessee still has Derrick Henry, and with that, will continue to be a force across the league. Henry is coming off a broken foot last season and is expected to take the bulk of the work for an offense that will be struggling to throw the ball this year. Stop Derrick Henry, and you stop the Titans’ offense. That was shown in last year’s upset loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
Defensive Overview
Tennessee’s defense has been a dominant force over the last few years and was a top-10 unit just last season. Jeffrey Simmons is the leader of the unit, while the secondary added some young rookie players to bolster a solid group. Before training camp started, you wouldn’t be crazy to say that the Titans could get back to the playoffs on their defense and Derrick Henry alone. Then Harold Landry went down for the season. Landry is coming off a 12-sack, pro-bowl season in 2021. There aren’t many players on the roster that can duplicate what Landry did last year. The Titans have already dealt with their fair share of injuries, but it’s very obvious if they don’t find someone who can replicate Landry’s numbers, the young secondary could be in deep trouble.
Special Teams
The Titans boast one of the more consistent groups of special team players in the league. Randy Bullock put up solid numbers in his first year with the Titans, Ryan Stonehouse is as good a punter as they come, and the return game combination of Dontrel Hilliard and Kyle Phillips can alter a game in an instant.
Injury Report
IR – Harold Landry, Racey McMath
PUP List – Monty Rice
Did Not Participate in Practice – Lonnie Johnson, Elijah Molden
Limited Participation in Practice – Chance Campbell, Jamarco Jones
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