Well, here we are, folks – it feels like it’s been decades since that awful playoff exit, but we’re now knocking on the doorstep of the 2022 season and a chance to put it all in the past for good. The preseason is in the books, so the next time we see our beloved Tennessee Titans, it’ll be for real. After a comeback win against the Arizona Cardinals, which was surprisingly entertaining for a final preseason game, the Titans finish the exhibition period at 2-1. There are plenty of takeaways to get to, but I’d argue that we probably learned more about 2023 and beyond than we did about the upcoming season.
Takeaways: Titans Finish the Preseason 2-1
*Without a shadow of a doubt, Malik Willis was the primary story of the preseason. All eyes were on the rookie quarterback, a guy that figures to get a real crack at being the franchise quarterback as early as 2023. He faced several (valid, mind you) criticisms entering the NFL, so I wanted to see how he improved upon those things. When you look at where he was during minicamp compared to that last preseason game, you can see he clearly did just that. Titans coaches have been working with him to go through his progressions, throw to guys when they’re open, and not take off out of the pocket upon the first sign of trouble. That focus was evident on Saturday night when Willis probably could’ve rushed for 300 yards against the Cardinals…instead, opting to throw the ball often. Even though the focus was on the foundational mental aspects of the quarterback position, Willis still flashed that electric play-making ability that has so many in Nashville hopeful that when he does take the reins, he’ll be a difference-maker. Willis showed how tough he is to bring down in the open field, and he flashed that arm talent with some big throws down the field, and some ridiculous sidearm short completions that ended up on every morning football show highlight reel. If he continues to grow at this rate, there’s plenty of reason for optimism. It already looks like he’s unseated Logan Woodside as the backup.
*Outside of the electrifying quarterback’s play, the rising concern surrounding the offensive line was prevalent throughout each game. If anything happens to Taylor Lewan, Ben Jones, or Nate Davis, woo boy is this offensive line going to look different. They’re an injury away from having some real problems there.
*As far as true camp battles go, I’d say there were really only two of note: Nicholas Petit-Frere vs. Dillon Radunz for the starting right tackle spot and Brett Kern vs. Ryan Stonehouse for the starting punter spot. We found out during Saturday’s broadcast that NPF had won the right tackle job, but how the punting spot shakes down remains to be seen. It sure seemed like a grateful, reflective Kern was well aware that his tenure with the Titans could be over with. Stonehouse’s leg is one of the modern wonders of the world. Kern has the edge in terms of touch and directional punting, but that comes with experience. Stonehouse won’t survive the waiver wire, so I anticipate they’ll either keep both guys or cut Kern.
*The defensive depth looks pretty good – the front seven should once again be the strength of this team, and they’ve got some solid depth pieces behind the starters. Rashad Weaver looks like he’s on the cusp of being the guy the Titans drafted him to be. Chance Campbell got plenty of playing time throughout the preseason, and while everyone was raving about David Anenih, I thought Campbell was the one who impressed by how he got better throughout the preseason. And, of course, they seem to have an embarrassment of riches along the defensive line. It feels like a dozen guys could make the roster out of that group. If called upon, these guys might develop into solid role players and contributors.
*We spent all this time debating who would be the sixth receiver in this offense, and now that it’s all said and done, I think the conclusion we’ve landed on is “no one.” Considering the depth issues along the offensive line, at safety, and linebacker, it’s entirely possible that the team just keeps five receivers and uses a roster spot for depth elsewhere. Treylon Burks, Robert Woods, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Kyle Philips, and Racey McMath feel like locks to me. Anyone making the final 53 beyond those five would be a surprise in my book.
*This defensive back group could be special. This staff must be incredibly high on Roger McCreary, as he didn’t play at all in Saturday’s preseason finale. Maybe that means he’s the guy opposite Kristian Fulton once the season starts. That Caleb Farley played so much this preseason is a bit of a mystery to me – it could mean that either the team just wanted him to really work the rust off after returning from injury, or it could mean that McCreary has passed him on the depth chart. He’s shown flashes at times this preseason. He’s also looked a little tentative, too. It’s a hard situation to read, but considering his overall talent level, the Titans have a triumvirate of especially gifted corners. Factor in the proven commodities that are Kevin Byard and Amani Hooker, as well as the promise of Elijah Molden, and this unit could be a surprise among the NFL’s elite.
*Some guys I like for the practice squad: Julius Chestnut runs in the style they like, and while the running back room is a little crowded right now, he could be a prime call-up candidate in a pinch. I don’t think they’re ready to give up on Dez Fitzpatrick quite yet, but the drops in Saturday’s game were pretty damning. They have a decision to make on Logan Woodside, too. Ultimately, I don’t know how you can look at each guy’s body of work and think he’s the QB2 over Willis at this point. I think Anenih is more of a practice squad guy who will get a chance to continue his development into a final 53 type of guy in the future, but I don’t think he’s a final 53 guy just yet.
Preseason stat leaders
- Passing yards: Malik Willis – 318
- Passing touchdowns: Malik Willis – 2
- Rushing yards: Malik Willis – 159 (3rd in the NFL this preseason)
- Rushing touchdowns: Julius Chestnut, Malik Willis, Logan Woodside – 1
- Receptions: Hassan Haskins – 8
- Receiving yards: Racey McMath – 75
- Receiving touchdowns: Treylon Burks, Chig Okonkwo – 1
- Sacks: David Anenih – 3 (3rd in the NFL this preseason)
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Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network, and a Dogs Playing Poker on velvet connoisseur. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD, #BeBetter, and ‘Minds right, asses tight.’ “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, Yankee Candle, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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