Love to see it come, but hate to see it go. That’s the saying about football season, right? Okay. Well, we have another Tennessee Titans season in the books. This one started with lofty hopes and dreams, and ended with those dreams being crushed, chewed up, and spit out by the New England Patriots.
Also, fuck you guys for making fun of top 10 lists. I’m going to do one anyway because it’s fun to rank things. That’s how the sports writing world works these days. Pay attention. Keep up.
Top 10 Titans of 2017
10. Brian Orakpo – His 2017 wasn’t necessarily as productive as his 2016, but the nine-year NFL veteran is still getting it done. He almost caught Derrick Morgan’s 7.5 sacks, but will have to settle for his seven. He also forced three fumbles this season. But, most importantly, he remains a consistent force in the pass rush.
9. Adoree’ Jackson – The rookie cornerback is the definition of a damn building block if I’ve ever seen one. He’s only going to get better as a corner, but he had a pretty successful rookie campaign, deflecting three passes, and improving in coverage as the season went on. Plus, he’s a dynamic returner, and the team even got him involved on offense. This kid’s going to have a bright career.
8. Logan Ryan – Gotta give the former Patriot some credit for stepping up and leading that secondary. He was brought in as a free agent last offseason, and I’m not giving him total credit, but it just so happens that his arrival coincided with a total culture change in the secondary. What was once a weakness is now a strength, and #26 is at the forefront of it.
7. Derrick Morgan – At this point, Morgan has to be considered one of the most underrated Titans of all time. Hell, I’ma file that article idea away for May. But, he truly is. This season, he led the Titans in sacks with 7.5, and even deflected a couple passes and recovered a couple of fumbles.
6. Delanie Walker – Once again, Walker was Marcus Mariota’s favorite target. He led the team in targets, receptions, and yardage. His final stat line for the season reads 74 rec. for 807 yards and three touchdowns. He’s going to the Pro Bowl because of it.
5. Taylor Lewan – Maybe the offensive line did take a step back this year, but you can’t argue with Lewan’s pass protection skills and consistency in run blocking. He remains one of the cornerstones of this team, and his 2017 campaign shows that.
4. Jurrell Casey – Also, the recipient of this year’s “You Know Shit’s Real When the Butt Crack Comes Out” award, Casey remains the figurehead of this Titans defense. He’s not just one of the best on the Titans. He’s one of the best in the league, and Blake Bortles can choke on that.
3. Wesley Woodyard – Woodyard had a rather surprising year. Just when everyone thought he was wearing down, he came out and had his best season as a Titan yet. Probably should be playing in Orlando next weekend, but that’s not up to me. Regardless, the dude is a bona fide tackling machine.
2. Brett Kern – Second team All-Pro and quite the dangerous motherfucker, Kern is imperative in field position battles. He’s the unquestioned best punter in the AFC, and has the average to back it up.
1. Kevin Byard – There’s absolutely no doubt that the MVP of the Titans this season was Kevin Byard. He was the only first-team All-Pro, he led the team -AND- the NFL in interceptions with eight. It looks like he’s poised to become the centerpiece of this defense.
What do you think, Titans fans? Who do you think had the best season of any Titan in 2017?
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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