How high can the Tennessee Titans climb in 2017? Here are five bold predictions on who will lead the up-and-coming team to the top of the AFC.
The Tennessee Titans have put all of the pieces together to form one of the league’s most talented rosters heading into the 2017 season.
One of the worst pass defenses in the NFL has replaced three out of its four starting positions with quality players. A depleted receiving corps has brought in four new pass-catchers. The third-best run defense in the league hasn’t lost anyone, nor has a superb offensive line.
Marcus Mariota is only getting better by the day, and the two-headed monster of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry can be the best tandem in the NFL behind one of the most elite offensive lines. Titans fans are as hopeful as ever in 2017. What can the potential of this team be? Let’s be brave and call our shots with five bold predictions.
5. Eric Decker has the most receiving TDs on team
Eric Decker is built to score touchdowns.
Decker caught 12 touchdowns in 2015 for the New York Jets. That put him at sixth in the league in receiving scores among wideouts, two behind the league-lead of 14. Decker was also the second-most targeted receiver in the red zone, two targets behind DeAndre Hopkins. These stats are quite impressive especially considering the team (Jets) and the quarterback throwing to him (Ryan Fitzpatrick).
The size, strength, and polished route-running are what has made Decker one of the league’s best pass-catchers. In the red zone, these traits really stand out, especially from the slot. When lined up against corners at the goal line, he can body the smaller guy up and create space to run the slant. If the corner jams inside too much, Decker knows he can fake inside and run a fade route to the corner (the result of the picture above).
If Mariota’s astounding 33:0 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the red zone was at all difficult last season, Decker will make it easier. Mariota likes to throw the ball down the seam, and the 30 year old veteran Decker will be there quite often for him this season. I expect the duo to establish great chemistry near the goal line, and Decker will again flirt with a double-digit number of touchdowns that will out-pace all Titans pass-catchers.