NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Tennessee Titans: 5 Early bold predictions for the 2017 season

By Scott Gallimore

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 6: Avery Williamson #54 and Jurrell Casey #99 of the Tennessee Titans celebrate during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at Nissan Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 6: Avery Williamson #54 and Jurrell Casey #99 of the Tennessee Titans celebrate during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the game at Nissan Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Tennessee Titans
Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images /

4. Marcus Mariota will be an MVP candidate

Marcus Mariota has all of the skills and talent to become the league’s MVP. He showed solid improvement from his rookie to sophomore seasons in the league. And best of all, he has some of the best position groups surrounding him heading into 2017. As I mentioned previously about Mariota’s MVP chances, it takes a strong supporting cast to perform and get enough wins that it takes to garner MVP votes. Mariota has that this season.

More from NFL Spin Zone

The Titans offensive line was one of the best in the league last season, and hasn’t lost any pieces since. A strong O-line is obviously critical for a quarterback’s performance, as well as being an MVP hopeful. Derek Carr and Dak Prescott both had that last season, and finished with MVP votes. And of course the Falcons’ biggest improvement in 2016 was their front five, which lead the squad to a Super Bowl appearance and an MVP award for Matt Ryan. Mariota couldn’t ask for better protection up front.

Then there is the running game, which is essential to taking pressure off of the quarterback and keeping the offense on the field. Demarco Murray rushed for over 1,000 yards last season. Right behind him is former Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry. The Alabama product is eager and determined as ever to breakout in his second NFL season and show the league that he is a premier back. When we look back again to MVP candidates Ryan, Carr and Prescott, they were all aided by superior running games. Each of their respective teams finished top six in rushing yards in 2016. The Titans were No. 3 last year and won’t stray far from that level this season.

And perhaps most importantly, Mariota gets much-needed help from his receiving unit. The Titans have brought in four pass-catchers that could all see significant playing time. No. 5 overall pick Corey Davis could lead the whole pack at receiver. Eric Decker has succeeded everywhere he has been and presents mismatch problems to any defense, especially in the red zone. Taywan Taylor brings blazing speed that can open the Titans’ playbook when he takes the field. And tight end Jonnu Smith could be the next Delanie Walker or better, according to Walker himself.

A much-improved defense will help the Titans win more games, which puts Mariota in great shape to be a serious MVP contender.

Home/Tennessee Titans