NFL Notebook, Week 14: Playoff predictions, Tom Brady’s struggles and more
By Zach Cohen
The Tale of Ryan Tannehill
Remember when I said you should not sleep on the Titans? Well, if you’re still asleep, here’s a dose of reality to wake you up: The Titans have won six of their past seven games.
They are very much in the playoff hunt. Aside from the eighth-best rushing offense and the 10th-best rushing defense, the main reason for Tennessee’s revival has been Ryan Tannehill. Since taking the full-time starting job from Marcus Mariota in Week Seven, Tannehill has tossed 15 touchdowns and four interceptions.
During that time, Tannehill has also posted a better passer rating than Drew Brees and a better completion percentage than Lamar Jackson. For what it’s worth, Tannehill has produced the seventh-most fantasy points among quarterbacks in that time span, too. His performance has had a major impact on the Titans.
Since naming Ryan Tannehill the starting QB in Week 7, the Titans have the 2nd-most offensive TDs and are scoring the 2nd-most PPG (31.4) in the NFL over that span. pic.twitter.com/1rbm9WrljB
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 9, 2019
Tannehill wasn’t so hot in Miami, so what changed? According to Next Gen Stats, the Titans’ offensive line has given Tannehill the most time to throw than any other quarterback has gotten over the past three games. Also, Tannehill doesn’t have Adam Gase coaching him anymore.
Tennessee is reportedly discussing a contract extension to keep Tannehill in a Titans’ uniform for a few more years. With the way he’s been playing, Tannehill deserves that contract (and Comeback Player of the Year).