It has been too long since the Tennessee Titans have put a winning product on the field. After enduring a franchise-low season (2-14) last year, Coach Ken Whisenhunt and the Titans are ready to move forward.
The bright side of the struggles of last season came during the NFL Draft in May when they selected the number two overall pick. Enter Heisman-winning quarterback from Oregon, Marcus Mariota.
The former Duck and Hawaiian native brings a lot of buzz to Nashville and can hopefully bring the Titans back to winning football games.
The Titans brought in Dick LeBeau from the Pittsburgh Steelers to take over the struggling defense. LeBeau is well known for his 3-4 defense and aggressive play calling.
The Titans went heavy on defense during the free agency period, resigning Derrick Morgan and signing Brian Orakpo, Perrish Cox and Da’Norris Searcy. Orakpo is a former All-Pro outside linebacker with the Redskins and is looking promising heading into the new season.
The offense this year belongs to rookie Marcus Mariota. He has turned heads this pre-season with his veteran-like presence and his razor sharp accuracy.
Coach Ken Whisenhunt has said Mariota will run his offense and the team will use Mariota’s stregnths seen during his time at Oregon. Mariota will be accompanied by second round pick, Dorial Green-Beckham, a physical giant who measures 6 feet 5 inches tall and 240 lbs.
Green-Beckham, if he can stay out of trouble off the field, will have an immediate impact for the Titans this year.
The pre-season is over. The final 53-man roster is set, and the preparation for week one at Tampa Bay has begun.
The matchup is set between the top two overall picks: Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota. The Buccaneers are coming off a 2-14 season as well, but boast some of the biggest wide receivers in the league.
A win against the Buccaneers could give some life to the franchise and build momentum for the season.
They will be on the road during week two against the Cleveland Browns before they come home to Nissan Stadium for a four-game home stretch.
With their new quarterback primed and ready to go, the Titans will start their climb to the top this Sunday, Sept. 13 in Tampa, so buckle up for the ride.
