AFC South Breakdown: Young, But Not Quite Ready
By Randy Gurzi
Sep 21, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Dexter McCluster (22) carries the ball during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 33-7. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Special Teams
Another spot where Tennessee fell short in 2014 was the special teams unit where they were outplayed by their opponents and finished the year with zero scores on punt or kick returns.
Dexter McCluster returned 22 punts, but for only an average of seven yards per return. As a unit the team averaged 6.9 yards while surrendering 8.1 to their opponents.
The kick return game was just as average as their top guy was Leon Washington, who was good for 23.8 yards per run back, slightly above the team average of 23.4. The opponents of the Titans had a 27.6 average with a 107 yard touchdown.
Jan 24, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; The Tennessee Titans mascot “T-Rac” watches cheerleaders perform at Team Irvin practice for the 2015 Pro Bowl at Scottsdale Community College. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Round-up
The draft for Tennessee netted several players who could turn out to be solid pros such as Mariota, Cobb and Green-Beckham. Another guy I liked a lot as a pick for them was guard Josue Matias who could develop into a starter as well for the team.
In a couple seasons this could be a very talented and tough team, but so much youth and not enough improvement to a poor defense should make for a rough 2015 for the boys in Tennessee.
I like the direction, but sometimes youth takes time to develop, especially when that youth is at the quarterback position.
Predicted Record
5-11