Guys, we’re less than two weeks away from the official start of the 2020 season of Tennessee Titans freakin’ football. The stage is set – the team’s heading to Colorado for a date with the upstart Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. It’s in the air, and I’m intoxicated by it.
A couple of the biggest questions heading into the season for the Titans are whether or not Ryan Tannehill can be the franchise guy he was in 2019, and whether or not Derrick Henry can hold up as the #King. Personally, I don’t think the people asking those questions actually watched the Titans in 2019, nor have they kept up with King Henry’s career since he entered the league. But, that’s neither here nor there – I only bring it up to illustrate a point…that as the season approaches, people are still wondering about this Titans offense.
But, one area of the offense that should have no questions about it is the tight end group. When you look at how deep and how reliable this group is, it stands out as a real strength of the team. Sure, Delanie Walker leaves behind some massive shoes to fill. Dude was the greatest tight end in Titans history, and that casts a large shadow that might seem impossible to rise out of, but this group is capable of doing just that.
It’s time for Jonnu Smith to shine, and I think he can be the breakout star on this team this season. He’s a big time play-maker whose blocking ability seems to have finally caught up to the rest of his game. They use him a lot in motion before the snap, so he’s out there effecting the game before the ball’s even snapped. But, once it is, the man is a YAC nightmare who is elusive and tough to bring down. Perhaps what is most encouraging is the chemistry he seemed to develop with Tannehill down the stretch. The ball’s in his court now – he’s the unquestioned #1 tight end heading into 2020.
Behind Smith, there’s a group of guys that proved invaluable at times last season. Namely, Anthony Firkser, who had a hell of a postseason in his own right. The Pats were DARING the Titans to throw to Firkser, putting him up against man coverage, and Firkser made ’em pay. After having just one touchdown throughout the entire season, Firkser tabbed two in the playoffs. He showed what a reliable sure-handed route runner he can be, and the Titans rewarded him with a new contract for 2020.
Then, there’s MyCole Pruitt, who a lot of people, even some Titans fans are sleeping on. All this guy does is come in and move the chains. He’s only caught 15 passes in his two years with the Titans, but 10 of those have gone for first downs (two for touchdowns). In 2019, four of his six receptions went for first downs. The guy just has a knack for those conversions.
But, that’s what I love so much about this group. Each guy brings his own spin to the game and the Titans offense. They are as complete of a group as you’ll find in the NFL, and that makes them special. Expect a ton of production from these guys in 2020.
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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