The Tennessee Titans are entering the 2016 season as the expected last place team in the AFC South. The likes of the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans getting playoff considerations in season previews while the Titans have been overlooked. Marcus Mariota and co. being viewed as the fourth team in a division that is suddenly good after years of being considered as the laughing stock of the NFL.
After impressing this preseason, perhaps the Titans shouldn’t be overlooked as their offense has been showing encouraging signs of a promising unit. A young Titans core that has been boosted by the signing of running back DeMarco Murray putting up impressive performances that could indicate better things than expected out of Tennessee this season.
Running the football behind a two-headed monster of second round pick Derrick Henry and Murray, the Titans mauled opposing defenses all preseason. Murray and Henry averaging for 6.9 yards per carry in four preseason games. Combining for five touchdowns and nearly 400 yards on the ground with just 53 carries between them.
Combined rushing totals for Titans RB’s DeMarco Murray & Derrick Henry this preseason: 53 att., 369 yards (6.96 avg.), 5 TD’s.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 2, 2016
Henry was a monster again during the Titans preseason finale as the Tennessee coaching staff let their rookie loose for one more game despite sitting Murray. Giving Henry 13 snaps where the rookie dominated. Running for 62 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.
Might as well get out of his way.
Because you’re not going to stop him.Yep. @KingHenry_2 is a monster. 😱 https://t.co/Z05gRkFmWp
— NFL (@NFL) September 2, 2016
With Henry and Murray in tow, the Titans could have the best running game in the AFC South. A factor that could at least give them a chance in the AFC South despite having a less flashy roster than their rivals. The ground game appearing to be a potential equalizer for the Tennessee offense if their running back duo can keep churning out big gains in the regular season.
Of course the eye-popping YPC numbers are guaranteed to come down playing more fiery defenses when the games count, but the pairing of the once dominant Murray and a rookie sensation in Henry appears to be a perfect fit. One that could be good enough to shock the NFL as the Titans offense is set to be scary good if the run game is firing on all cylinders.
Second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota should also be improved as the passing game should improve with the 2015 second overall pick under center after a year of experience as a rookie. Adding veteran wideout Andre Johnson should also help jumpstart the offense as the moves the Titans made this offseason have built an offense that should be getting more attention than it is going into Week 1.
The question for the Titans will be if the defense can match the improvement the offense should see this year. A big question as the Titans defense failed to build a similar preseason hype. Struggling during their Preseason Week 3 test run against the Raiders in a game that was dominated by the offensive starting units of both teams. If the defense can also start to build momentum, the Titans could be a tough out in a tight AFC South race this season where every team feels they have a chance to contend.
Playing the Minnesota Vikings in their season opener, the Titans offense will be facing a tough test to open 2016. After running through defenses in the preseason, the pressure will be on Henry and Murray to replicate their form now that the games are for real. If the Titans can continue to run through defenses now that it is September, this new look Tennessee offense could be one of the surprises of the season. If it happens, you can look at the dominant preseason from Henry and Murray as the early indicator of a dangerous offense coming out of Nashville.
