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5 Things the Tennessee Titans Must Do Well in 2016

By John Sarianides

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Mularkey speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Mularkey speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tennessee Titans have sleeper potential in 2016. The addition of running back DeMarco Murray infused life into the organization. Murray gives coach Mike Mularkey a bell cow running back that will take pressure off of Marcus Mariota.

The Tennessee Titans would really appreciate if you didn’t forget about them in the AFC South. The Titans are an afterthought right now in the minds of many football fans but they shouldn’t be. This is a team on the rise.

Related Story: 5 Things the Jacksonville Jaguars Must Do Well in 2016

The addition of running back DeMarco Murray gives the organization some much needed credibility. After a hellish season in Philadelphia, Murray is ready for a bounce back season and to prove the naysayers wrong. He’ll have plenty of opportunities as the featured back.

Of course any success the Titans have in 2016 will center around the development of Marcus Mariota. Mariota showed flashes of potential last season before his season ended due to a knee injury.

The Titans will run the ball and play good defense. It’s up to Mariota and the passing game to do their part in helping the team turn around its fortunes.

Here five things the Titans must do schematically in 2016.

1. Feed DeMarco: In 2014, DeMarco Murray totaled 392 carries and rushed for 1,845 yards for the Cowboys. The Titans traded for Murray because Mike Mularkey wanted a proven back who was highly productive and was comfortable playing with a fullback in front of him. That’s Murray.

If he stays healthy, Murray will thrive in Mularkey’s man gap running scheme. It’s very similar to what Murray was used to with the Cowboys. A lot of vertical double teams with the occasional down and kick out blocks. Murray will be much more comfortable playing in the Titans offense than he was in Chip Kelly’s offense last season.

Jun 14, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarter back Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball during mini camp practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarter back Marcus Mariota (8) passes the ball during mini camp practice at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Bring Mariota Along: Marcus Mariota needs to take the next step in his develop. It’s up to Mularkey and his offensive staff to bring him along. Mariota showed flashes of potential last season and he looked a lot more comfortable than I thought he would in a pro style offense. The physical tools are there with Mariota. He doesn’t just have to run and make plays with his feet. He can be an effective pocket passer and have success.

3. The Young Receivers Must Make an Impact: The Titans need to get more out of Kendall Wright, Justin Hunter and Dorial Green-Beckham. All three have potential and they need to realize it this season. The Titans will play in a lot of 11 personnel (3 WRs, 1 TE, 1 RB) this season in an effort to get Wright, Hunter and Green Beckham on the field with tight end Delanie Walker. All three will get plenty of man to man match up opportunities and they must take advantage of them. The recent addition of Andre Johnson adds some much needed experience to this group.

4. Blitzburgh South: Veteran defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau takes over as the full time coordinator. Look for the Titans to transition to more 3-4 concepts defensively. Tennessee will blitz a lot more. LeBeau is the father of the zone blitz so look for the Titans to show opposing offenses a variety of exotic looks this season in an effort to confuse them.

Related Story: 6 Defense Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2016

5. Coaching Experience Must Pay Off: The Titans have a veteran coaching staff with a lot of experience. That experience needs to pay off for a Titans team that is young and talented but needs guidance. Mike Mularkey needs to be a tone setter as the head coach. He can be a little too stoic at times.

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