2015 NFL Season Predictions: AFC South Preview

Aug 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins outside linebacker

(98) celebrates after sacking New England Patriots quarterback

(not pictured) in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans: 

Key Arrivals: WR Harry Douglas, WR Hakeem Nicks, TE Anthony Fasano, OLB Brian Orakpo, CB Perrish Cox, SS Da’Norris Searcy, QB Marcus Mariota, WR Dorial Green-Beckham 

For a team that had one of the worst offenses in the NFL last year, they really didn’t add many quality players on offense, especially not through free agency. Harry Douglas is an above average slot receiver, but is not any better than the slew of decent wide receivers they have on their roster.

The Nicks signing makes no sense to me. Why would anyone give this man guaranteed money? Fasano will also not have a big impact either as he will only be the No.2 TE. I feel bad for Mariota that he had to go to this team. He is a very capable young quarterback, but will have a tough time playing well without any talented players around him. Green-Beckham was a risky pick, as his upside is humongous, but he will take time to develop.

On defense the Titans at least signed players who will actually start next year. Orakpo is coming a year that was ended very early due to injury, but if he can get back to his early career shape he will be able to help the defense a lot. Cox is coming off a pretty good year in San Francisco and figures to be the starting cornerback paired with Jason McCourty. Searcy is coming a strong year in Buffalo and should be able to solidify a secondary which isn’t looking all too bad through the additions of Cox and Searcy.

Dec 7, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback

(10) passes against the New York Giants during the second half at LP Field. Giants defeated the Titans 36-7. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Key Losses: T Michael Oher, WR Nate Washington, QB Jake Locker

One can barely call any of these players key losses, but since I didn’t want to leave this section completely blank I choose these players. Oher was terrible last year and I don’t think he will ever really be able to play on a solid level again. Washington is aging and isn’t close to as good as he was in his prime so losing him won’t hurt the team either. When Jake Locker was on the field he showed some promise, but sadly he wasn’t on the field very often which is why he decide to retire. The team obviously hopes Mariota will be the answer and will be able to bring some life into this team.

Verdict: 

A bad team got a bit better. I think the Titans improved their defense and especially their secondary and also added a good pass rusher. Still this defense is very far from actually being good. On offense Mariota really won’t have a lot of help around him.

His receivers aren’t terrible. Justin Hunter, Kendall Wright are both still young and can still improve and even if they don’t they are still decent. If Green-Beckham can focus on football and not get into trouble off the field, him and Mariota could become an unstoppable duo for years to come.

Still the offensive line was not helped at all and the running backs are all bad. To the front offices credit, they did not draft as bad of a pick as Bishop Sankey this year, but this year was a very deep year at running back and they waited till the fifth round and picked David Cobb, instead of the more talented Jay Ajayi who was still available. A lot of people are hyped up on Cobb, but I am not one of those people. Still he might be their best option. Mariota will likely struggle in his first year, but mostly due to his team and not himself. I’m sorry to say it, but it seems like it will be another rough year for Titans fans.

May 15, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans first round draft pick quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks to pass during his first minicamp work out at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit:

-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction: 

Best Case Record: 5-11

Worst Case Record: 0-16

Prediction: 2-14

Team’s Offensive MVP: QB Marcus Mariota

Team’s Defensive MVP: OLB Brian Orakpo

Rookie Standout: QB Marcus Mariota

This will be another tough year for the Titans. Mariota might statistically not have the best year, but I believe that his play will be very good. He is the reason I think the Titans might win a couple of games, because the rest of their team is bad. The offense won’t be able to put up to many points and the defense won’t be able to stop too many teams and once again the Titans will have a bad season. There management is really disappointing as they continuously add poor players and can’t seem to put together a solid roster. Maybe Mariota is the beginning of a good era for the Titans.

Next: Do the Jags have a chance at their first crown?