It’s that time of the year, folks. We’re writing about every aspect of a team we can think of. We’re assessing the prospects of the undrafted free agent third string left guard. Talkin’ about how many quarterbacks the team’s going to keep. And, we are ranking everything….I mean, everything. So, it stands to reason the football writers of the country are going to get into things like positional groups. But, when reading Bleacher Report’s wide receiver, something struck a nerve. This Titans receiving corps continues to face a lack of respect from the national media and even from Titans fans alike.
Courtesy of Kristopher Knox at Bleacher Report:
The Tennessee Titans have done little to put a quality receiving corps around Marcus Mariota. Tight end Delanie Walker is a Pro Bowl pass-catcher, but there isn’t much in the way of proven talent aside from him.
Tennessee parted with Eric Decker, who was second on the team with 54 receptions last season. Rishard Matthews was the team’s leading wideout in terms of yardage (795), but he’s a No. 2 at best on virtually any other roster. Corey Davis showed some glimpses as a rookie, but if Tennessee is counting on him to be its No. 1 receiver, it could be sorely disappointed.
Davis appeared in 11 games last season and only finished with 34 receptions and 375 yards.
I will say this: to Knox’s point – proven is the operative term when he says, “there isn’t much in the way of proven talent aside from him.” This unit is predicated on potential, but that potential is promising nonetheless.
And for fuck’s sake, at least he used ‘corps’ instead of ‘core.’ YUGE pet peeve of mine.
But, it feels like, at every turn, I’m having to defend the Titans receiving corps. It seems that people are sleeping on this group of players in a major way, and it all begins and ends with second year man, Corey Davis. Yes, Davis only played in 11 games last season, but that wasn’t by design. It wasn’t because Davis didn’t play well enough to earn a regular spot in the offense. Injuries kept him off the field.
The encouraging thing about Davis is that he played the best game of his rookie season in the playoffs, on the road against the New England Patriots. Davis caught two touchdowns against new teammate Malcolm Butler in that game and reminded us all of just how capable he is of becoming an elite number one receiver in the NFL.
Rishard Matthews is one of the more criminally underrated guys in the entire league. He’s a reliable guy who is deceptively quick and shifty, and always seems to find himself in the right place at the right time. Matthews is a gritty guy who can win battles, and if he ends up being the number one receiver on this team, I’m perfectly happy with that. I caught a lot of heat during free agency when I said that I’d rather have Matthews than Jarvis Landry, but I still stand by that.
But, outside of your top two, you have a few specialists on this roster. Taywan Taylor was a third round pick last year and for good reason. He was immensely productive at Western Kentucky, and now that we don’t have to worry about Terry Robiskie calling five thousand jet sweeps to him every game, he may be able to flourish under new offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur.
Then, there’s Tajae Sharpe, who looked like a bona fide wide receiver during camp and the preseason in 2016. He spent 2017 away from football, but if he can get back to his rookie form at all, he’ll be a valuable asset as the fourth receiver. He’s known for his route running acumen and strong, dependable hands.
Lastly, the Titans added Michael Campanaro in free agency. A lot of people thought the move was about little more than adding some return depth and maybe pulling those duties off of Adoree Jackson’s plate. But, if you listen to GM Jon Robinson talk about him, it sure sounds like they’re going to use Campanaro in the offense.
All of this and we didn’t even mention the prospects of Delanie Walker and Jonnu Smith at tight end. And, the Titans will utilize Dion Lewis in the passing game as well.
By the way, quick aside – Eric Decker was trash ass garbage for the Titans last year. He may have racked up the receptions, but that guy couldn’t get out of a Titans uniform fast enough.
So, I’m willing to lay down the gauntlet.
Kris Knox – should the Titans finish 31st or 32nd in receiving yards next season, I will happily buy you a round of beers. If you don’t drink, then I’ll happily Venmo you $20 to help with groceries and shit. If you want to accept this wager, simply reach out to me on Twitter and name your stakes.
And, for those of you who may call me a Titans homer…well, for one, you’ve obviously never read my coverage of the team. Second, I read Kris’ backfield rankings and think he has the Titans ranked incredibly too high. Derrick Henry isn’t the featured back everyone thinks he is, and there’s huge injury risk with Dion Lewis.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go re-watch Corey Davis’ top 10 plays from 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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