It’s safe to say that Marcus Mariota has never quite had a guy like Dez Bryant to throw the ball to in his three seasons with the Tennessee Titans. The Titans have never really been known for having transcendent wide receivers. But, the recently released Bryant is not the answer.
I’m actually in the camp that thinks the Titans are fine with who they have for 2018. A corps of receivers including Corey Davis, Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe, and Taywan Taylor has a lot of potential. Each guy does a certain, unique thing well. Should they live up to that potential, this is going to be a formidable unit, and we haven’t even mentioned Delanie Walker and Jonnu Smith at tight end, or the receiving threat that Dion Lewis figures to be.
There’s no denying Bryant’s abilities. He’s a big time 50/50 ball guy – the type of player you can just heave the ball downfield to and trust he’s going to wrestle it away from the defender. But, as enticing as having that guy may be, Bryant just isn’t worth the risk.
The Titans Believe Corey Davis Can Be That Guy
Davis showed flashes of being that type of wide receiver in 2017. I still maintain that that tremendous receiver class of 2014 spoiled us. In case you’ve forgotten, that class included Odell Beckham, Jr., Mike Evans, Sammy Watkins, Jarvis Landry, Davante Adams, Brandin Cooks, Kelvin Benjamin, and Allen Robinson. We forget that most receivers don’t come in and storm the league like that class did. So, just because Davis didn’t do that in 2017 doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen.
The former Western Michigan standout had a highly productive career as a Bronco. But, it’s the skill set he has that made him the #5 overall pick in 2017. He’s physical, competitive, and he can, quite plainly, run down the sideline really fast and catch the ball. Bingo!
He only tallied 34 catches for 375 yards last season, but in the Divisional Round finale, he showed why he’s such a promising talent. 63 yards and two touchdowns (both off of Malcolm Butler) against the Patriots demonstrated that the arrow is definitely pointed up with Davis.
Bryant’s Production Has Dipped Off Considerably
Bryant simply didn’t have the same relationship with Dak Prescott as he did with Tony Romo. And, there’s something in common between Prescott and Mariota. Prescott is very careful with the football, as is Mariota. Bryant excelled when Romo would simply launch the ball downfield and pray #88 would bring it down.
But, those days of 1300+ yards and 16 touchdowns are long behind Bryant. In fact, due to injuries, chemistry issues, whatever…he hasn’t had a monstrous season since 2014. It’s much more likely we’d see the “Prescott Bryant” over the “Romo Bryant” in Tennessee.
And, Yes – There’s Those Personality Issues
In a way, Bryant is a throwback to the classic diva receivers of the past. He doesn’t get the ball, he gets antsy. I read that and think the guy needs to go to a team with a heavy veteran presence and established culture. Are the Titans there yet? I don’t think so – sure, there are definite leaders on this team who have sterling reputations. But, this is still a young team with a new head coach who is trying to define the culture.
Bryant has said he wants to play in the NFC East, undoubtedly so he can make the Cowboys pay for releasing him. Maybe he’d be a great fit with one of those teams….maybe somewhere like Atlanta….or Seattle. I just don’t see how risking a bad locker room fit for pedestrian production is worth it.
I say stick with who you have, see who becomes available this Summer, and ride 2018 out.
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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