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Titans star running back Derrick Henry addresses the fans after a week 18 win vs. the Jaguars at Nissan Stadium.
Photo: Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean
The 2023 NFL season is over. Over for the Tennessee Titans at least. It was a disappointing 6-11 campaign but ended on a sweet note, beating their rival Jacksonville Jaguars, 28-20, denying them the AFC South title, and eliminating them from the playoffs. This game also may have been the last game for both Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill in Titans uniforms, signaling the end of an era that seems like it started just yesterday. Here is a quick recap of the game, the year, and a preview for what’s next in this new era of Tennessee Titans football.
Game Recap
The offense was solid, and the defense played the way they have played all season long. Henry had a huge sendoff game, with 19 carries for 153 yards, and a touchdown.
His possible replacement and next future Titans star running back, Tyjae Spears had 3 carries for 25 yards, and a TD, as well as 3 catches for 41 yards and a score.
DeAndre Hopkins had another solid day, with 7 catches for 46 yards and a touchdown,
while Chig Okonkwo once again showed flashes of dominance, 2 catches for 36 yards. Both plays were electric and I cannot wait to see him in year three. Tannehill also had a solid sendoff, going 17/26 for 168 yards, 2 TDs and a pick, while remarkably only being sacked twice. Defensively, the boys in blue held the Jags to just 2 touchdowns, picked Trevor Lawrence off twice, and stuffed him on 4-and-goal at the one yard line, effectively ending the game. Overall it was a good game, and a nice note to end this rough season on.
Season Recap and Notes
While the record was bad, the team wasn’t horrible. Outside of a horrible offensive line, the offense has plenty of bright spots, with the biggest being the young stars. Rookie QB Will Levis looks like a stud, while rookie RB Spears has been lightning in a bottle this year, and will do big things next year. TE Okonkwo has been a big play machine in his two seasons as a pro, and if the line is better, he can be even more lethal. WR Treylon Burks has had a frustrating two NFL seasons since being acquired for AJ Brown, but he has talent, and has shown it in the past. If he is healthy, the offense has a bright future ahead. The defense has been great, but will have some holes to fill this offseason. DL Jeffery Simmons has been an anchor on the line, allowing for Denico Autry and Harold Landry to be the only set of teammates in the league to have 10+ sacks each. The secondary has been inconsistent, but definitely has some bright spots like CB Rodger McCreary and S Amani Hooker. The linebackers are also talented, with Azeez Al-Shaair being a huge addition last offseason. Look for GM Ran Carthon to resign him and plug the holes in what has been a really impressive offense the last 3 years.
Offseason and Draft Hopes
The big goals for Tennessee should be to revamp the offensive line, plug the holes on defense, and crush the draft to add more young talent. The draft will probably be the best option for the offensive line, as left tackle was the worst spot on the line, and with the Titans picking at 7th overall, Notre Dame’s Joe Alt should be there. Alt is a 6 foot 8 inch, 322lb monster who allowed just 4 sacks in 3 years of college ball. Him and standout rookie Peter Skoronski would anchor a vastly improved blind side for Will the Thrill in year two. Another candidate in the draft, this time in the second round is Texas receiver AD Mitchell. Mitchell, a two time champ at Georgia, broke out for the Longhorns, with 845 yards and 11 TDs. He could instantly be the solid and productive WR2/WR3 that the Titans have needed for years.
Final Thoughts
It wasn’t a great year, but the future looks better. With Levis, Spears, and a good front office lead by Carthon, the offseason couldn’t come sooner. If this was the last game in a Titans uniform for Henry and Tannehill, it will be sad to see them go, especially the King. They were a huge part of Tennessee’s return to relevance, and will be missed, and Titans Nation thanks them. Until the offseason, #TitanUp!