Behind Enemy Lines: Titans

Before the final game of the regular season, I go behind enemy lines with Matias Wodner of Titan Sized for some insight on Tennessee. You can read my answers to his questions here, but here are his takes on the Titans:

1. What caused the turnaround in Tennessee this season (besides DeMarco Murray)?

Murray has really been a huge part of the offensive resurgence, as is Marcus Mariota, but the turnaround should be focused squarely on GM Jon Robinson and HC Mike Mularkey. Robinson came in and openly said that he would bring players to this team that were upstanding gentlemen, were team-first players, and had productive college/NFL careers. In doing so, he changed the culture of the team, in the locker room and outside of it. Mularkey has helped with that, too. He isn’t the most gifted offensive or defensive mastermind, but he leads his team and demands the best of his players. That change in culture and identity has been the main catalyst in the Titans’ impressive season.

2. What areas will the Titans still need to improve upon in the offseason?

The secondary needs a major overhaul. The cornerbacks, safeties, and even linebackers were getting lit up by the likes of Cody Kessler and Matt Barkley. It really didn’t get much better as the season wore on, save for poor performances by Trevor Siemian and Alex Smith. The Titans need to draft about three defensive backs and possibly a coverage linebacker. They can’t go into next year without the secondary fixed. They could also improve in the wide receiver department. Rishard Matthews was really good this year, Tajae Sharpe wasn’t much of a factor after a great preseason, and Kendall Wright barely plays. The Titans need a tall, explosive pass catcher to line up out wide and give a new dimension to the offense.