Okay, I’ve come out of my cave. I have coped with the conclusion of the 2018 season, and I am ready to officially put a bow on it. It’s my annual ‘top 10 Tennessee Titans‘ of the year piece. So, what’s the book on the 2018 Titans? Elite defense, good run game….but a predictable offense overall with a huge question mark at quarterback. Can we all agree on that? I think the arrow’s still pointing up for this franchise, but I’m eager to see who the next OC is going to be, and which positions they address in free agency and the draft. It’s officially the offseason, folks.
Top 10 Tennessee Titans of 2018
10. Malcolm Butler – It might not be popular, but for all of his struggles early in the season, Butler was able to right the ship. Consistency would’ve put him higher on the list, but Butler didn’t really turn the corner until late in the season. He led the team in passes deflected with 12, had three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), had a sack, forced a fumble, and placed sixth on the team in tackles with 69 (#nice). All in all, a solid, complete season.
9. Adoree Jackson – The stats might not reflect it, but Jackson made a huge step forward as an elite NFL cornerback in 2018. His coverage skills improved immensely, and it looks like he’s going to be the #1 moving forward. Jackson was 5th on the team in tackles with 73, he two interceptions, two and a half TFL, and a whopping 10 passes deflected (2nd only to Butler).
8. Wesley Woodyard – Ol’ reliable was back and holding down the fort in 2018. He was the Titans leading tackler this season, with 113 on the books. He also had 4.5 sacks to boot. As steady a force as you’ll find.
7. Derrick Henry – Henry finished with 1,059 rushing yards, his first 1,000-yard season. It was good for seventh in the NFL, and there’s no doubt that the former Heisman Trophy winner turned a corner in 2018. But, we didn’t see this until pretty late in the season. If he had done it consistently, he’d be a lot higher on this list. Nonetheless, he was voted first team All-AFC by the PFWA.
6. Darius Jennings – Largely overlooked outside of Nashville, Jennings had a phenomenal year as a return man. He should’ve gone to the Pro Bowl, but I hate to take away from the solid year Andre Roberts had. Regardless, Jennings finished 4th in the NFL with 698 kickoff return yards. His average of 31.7 yards was the best in the NFL.
5. Jayon Brown – I’d say Brown is easily the ‘breakout Titan of the year.’ The Titans needed some depth at ILB heading into the season, and the ended up with a blossoming star. Brown was second on the team in TFL with 11.5, tackles with 97, and sacks with six. He also had an interception that he returned for a touchdown. No doubt that he’s a major building block for the future.
4. Brett Kern – I’ve come to the conclusion that for the entire tenure of Kern’s career in Tennessee, we’re just going to repeat ourselves in saying, “the NFL sleepin’ on how good this guy is.” Punters don’t get a lot of recognition, but Kern deserves. He had a stellar 2018, and is going to the Pro Bowl because of it.
3. Taylor Lewan – He’s the vocal leader of the offensive line, the King of New Nashville, and the highest paid offensive lineman in league history. Lewan certainly has the pedigree, but he largely lived up to it in 2018. He is one of the best left tackles in football. The PFWA voted him first team All-AFC, and he’s going to his third consecutive Pro Bowl.
2. Kevin Byard – He was my #1 and an All-Pro in 2017, but honestly, it’s not like he suffered a huge dip in 2018. Byard is one of the top safeties in the entire NFL, period. He led the Titans in interceptions with four this season, but I don’t think the stats are an honest indicator of just how good he really is. Lest we forget, Byard also had a 66-yard touchdown pass to Dane Cruikshank at the beginning of the season, too.
1. Jurrell Casey – The stud defensive lineman is routinely one of the most underrated interior defenders in the entire NFL. He led the Titans in sacks this year with seven, and he’s going to the Pro Bowl because of it. But, for me, we didn’t truly see just how valuable Casey is to the defense until he went down with an injury late in the season. His production proved irreplaceable.
SoBros Titans MVP History
2017 – Kevin Byard
2018 – Jurrell Casey
So, what do you think, Titans fans? Who’s your MVP for the season?
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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