*sigh* I’m just now getting around to wrapping up my 2019 season content for the Tennessee Titans. Shit’s been busy, y’all – give me a break. Everyone is talking about free agency, and I’m over here with the SoBros Network like, “hey, y’all – wait for me!” But, I gotta do it because it’s on the official SoBros Network Vision Board for 2020. I ain’t gonna be able to sleep at night…I ain’t gonna be able to relax and enjoy the holidays at the end of the year if I’m lookin’ back like, “hot damn – I didn’t do that top 10 Titans of 2019 piece,” even though we all know it’s Derrick Henry.
I’ve written plenty about how this was a miracle season for the Titans, and also how this is just the window opening for this franchise. So, let’s just cut to the chase and cross these fucking rankings off my to-do list for the year.
The Top 10 Tennessee Titans of 2019
10. Jack Conklin/Rodger Saffold – Hard to pick between the two, and both were similar in that they definitely had their hiccups. But, when it mattered most, they turned it on. Conklin was the highest graded offensive lineman on the Titans per Pro Football Focus. Saffold’s score would’ve been better if not for a slow start in 2019. But, I wanted to mention him because of how good he was down the stretch.
9. Jurrell Casey – Casey’s impact on defense isn’t going to show up in the stat sheets, as he only had five sacks. But, he’s perennially been one of the more underrated defensive linemen in the NFL. Look no further than his fumble recovery on the goal line against the Chargers this season as an example of just how important he is to this defense.
8. Taylor Lewan – People like to scream “BUT THE PENALTIES” when it comes to Lewan, but the man’s one of the highest paid offensive linemen for a reason. Look at how much his return from suspension meant for the overall performance of the offensive line.
7. Rashaan Evans – Pro Football Focus gave Evans a pretty shitty grade, but to me, that’s just proof that you can’t always rely on stuff like that. Evans stepped up this season. Just looking at the eye test, watching him play, he’s closer to becoming the next great Titans ILB than ever before.
6. Logan Ryan – Ryan led the team in tackles and in forced fumbles, but perhaps more important was the role he played as a leader on this defense. His is among the expiring contracts this season, so the Titans will have a decision to make regarding how important that leadership is.
5. A.J. Brown – The progression of A.J. Brown was one of the more surprising developments of 2019. He didn’t get to show his stuff in the postseason because the Titans were running the ball like crazy, but by the end of the regular season, Brown emerged as a bona fide #1. He finished the season with 1,051 yards and eight touchdowns. He shoulda damn been the Offensive Rookie of the Year.
4. Kevin Byard – Byard proved yet again that he’s among the elite safeties in the NFL. He led the Titans in interceptions with five, and seemed to always find himself in the thick of the action on defense.
3. Ryan Tannehill – I’m still baffled by people who don’t think Tannehill can be the guy. Is he going to come back down to Earth a little? Sure. But, he’s still the man for the job. The entire season turned around for the Titans when they made the switch to Tannehill. He finished the regular season as the highest rated passer in the NFL.
2. Brett Kern – Man, Brett Kern has made this list every year that I’ve done one. I don’t know what that says about the Titans that the punter is one of their best and most consistent players, but fuck it. Here we are. Kern was named 1st Team All-Pro for a reason. For my money, he’s the best punter in all of football.
1. Derrick Henry – 2nd Team All-Pro, NFL rushing title with 1,540 rushing yards. The story of the Titans incredulous postseason run. 182 yards against the Patriots. 195 yards against the Ravens. It’s a run we won’t soon forget. He’s the unquestioned MVP of the Titans in 2019. Now, pay the man.
Past Honors
2017 – Kevin Byard
2018 – Jurrell Casey
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, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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