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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) /
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Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images /

3. The Titans will be a top 10 defense

The Titans defense finished 20th in yards allowed last season. This can be attributed to the anemic pass defense, that allowed the third-most yards in the league. Thankfully, the Titans have addressed this problem.

Comparing the depth chart in the secondary between now and last year should give Titan fans reason to believe strong improvement is imminent in the defensive backfield. The Titans definitely upgrade at three of the four secondary positions.

Logan Ryan is a step above Jason McCourty. LeShaun Sims, who I am sky-high on this season, and Adoree Jackson are clear upgrades from Perrish Cox. Da’Norris Searcy will now back up the incoming Jonathan Cyprien at strong safety. It’s hard to say that Kevin Byard is an upgrade from Rashad Johnson, but he certainly has the potential to become a star at free safety.

On the other hand, the Titans rock-solid run defense should sustain their elite level of play. The Titans allowed the second-fewest yards against the run last season thanks to the strength of the front seven that remains fully intact. No players have left, and a few nice pieces have been added, including Sylvester Williams. The former Bronco gives the defensive line greater versatility to move around. Williams is listed as a nose tackle, but has the pass rushing skills that allow him to be effective playing further away from the center.

If the Titans can just be average against the pass, that will probably put the overall defense into the top ten in terms of yards allowed, and more importantly will lead to more wins. I am confident that these improvements in the secondary makes the Titans a top-10 defense in the NFL.

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