Breaking news : We’re so back. 

Season 4, Checking on the Haters, and I’m unfortunately very optimistic about the Titans right now. Cam Ward (my hero) has convinced me he’s a star, we maybe have an O-line(?) and a couple very important pieces coming back healthy. Time to put on my big J journalist britches (all whites this week) and dive into the depth chart.

First thing I wanted to do was glaze Cam Ward (Wingstop > Mayonnaise) and then look at the unofficial depth chart and make my predictions. The biggest takeaway for me is how we got better at every position group we needed help at. O-line, Receivers, Linebackers, DBs and obviously Quarterback, all got better. 

QB : 

Titans might finally have their guy in Cam Ward (oh mama!). I bought in on MariGOATa, TanneThrill, Malik Willis, and for a couple weeks, Will Levis. But none of them had the feeling Cam Ward does (so tuff ooo). Now I’m on record on this website wanting to trade back for Abdul Carter and a load of picks, but Cam Ward (look out!) has sold me. The energy and attitude he brings to practice is the culture setter we need after getting rid of the culture in Mike Vrabel (still think it’s the worst move we’ve ever made). I love how Callahan watches him in awe every time he runs out, like a little kid going to a WWE event and seeing the Undertaker in real time. Just drooling everywhere. I am still very worried about Callahan’s job security given the no-nonsense policy Miss Amy has had the last 3 years. I like Callahan, and I actually think him and Cam compliment each other pretty well. The quieter nice guy schemer and the all football all day QB with attitude working together. My even bigger fear than that is regressing Cam’s development. But something does tell me he’ll find a way regardless. 

Cam Ward (Dawg) showed us exactly what was advertised. He moves around the pocket so easily, has a rifle arm, and can get the ball anywhere on the field. He also showed a couple common rookie traits. Missing a few open guys, not getting all the way through his progressions or just not seeing them, and just trying to make too much out of a broken play. That’s all stuff that can be fixed, and I’m not worried at all, he’ll figure it out as he gets some more experience. Enough glazing let’s talk about the other position groups.

Final predictions : 

3200 Passing Yards

25 Touchdowns

RB : 

TP is still that guy. An 1000 yard rusher last year, never fully healthy, averaging over 55 yards after contact per game with that O-line. I think with a rookie QB, we’re gonna rely hard on him, and as long as him and the O-line stay healthy, he’ll be a top 10-12 back in the league. Tyjae Spears being out for the first couple weeks definitely hurts the change of pace he’s supposed to bring, but I love Chestnut and Mullings and both of them should get enough touches to show us what they’ve got.

1200 yards rushing

12 Touchdowns

WR : 

Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett and Elic Ayomanor (Travis Killer!) leading the charge as of right now. Ayomanor beating our Van Jefferson does surprise me a bit, but Ayomanor has showed out all through camp and preseason. I hope he pans out into a strong reciever he looks like he can be, and follows Ridley’s footsteps to being the best route runner in the NFL. The narrative of Ayomanor vs Travis Hunter twice a year is gonna smack like crack. I hope they hate each other so much. Fireworks. Cinema. 

600 Yards Receiving 

5 Touchdowns

Now the big man. Ridley might have 400 targets this year. Him and Ward seem to really have a good rookie/vet connection, and even in the limited snaps in preseason, you could really see it. Get ready for deep crosser city, Calvin is going on a trip. 

1200 Yards Receiving

9 Touchdowns

Tyler Lockett. I’m not entirely sure what to think here. Titans get another WR past his prime, here to make a final paycheck and see what he’s got left in the tank. I love Lockett, he seems like the nicest guy and he was the hero of my fantasy teams for years. Given he does what he’s done all his career and stays healthy and avoids hits, I think he could be a really valuable possession guy with a little change of pace. 

850 Yards Receiving 

6 Touchdowns 

My biggest problem with the receivers, is it still feels like we need a pure speed weapon. Ridley and Ayomanor have some burners, but not that of a Worthy, Devonta Smith, or even Waddle. Chimere Dike could fill that role if he develops, but right now he’s a special teams guy (only returner on the roster?), so we’ll have to wait and see. Overall huge improvement and a lot to look forward to with the young guys.  

O-line : 

Most improved unit on the team (minus QB). No news is great news when it comes to O-line, and I’ve heard next to nothing about Dan Moore or Lloyd Cushenberry except they’re both healthy. Skoronski continues his growth and looks like the best player on the line (one of the best on the team too), and Latham continues to improve and get his body right (dropped 40 pounds for this season) as he moves back to the right tackle spot where he played in college and feels more comfortable. 

Defense 

D-Line : 

Should be one of the premier run stuffing defenses in the league. Big Jeff and Sweat leading that front again, both just continuing to get better. Big Jeff deserves all the accolades, he’s been the most consistently incredible player on the team since he got drafted in 2019. Absolute lifeblood of the defense.

Biggest issue is edge rushers.  Sebastian Joseph-Day is a strong, solid DE, but he’s not turning heads.  There was talk about Jeff Simmons playing more edge rusher, and with his size, strength and speed, he would probably be pretty decent. I think he’s just so much more valuable where he’s at on the inside, ruining interior O-Linemen’s weeks, but we’ll see what Dennard Wilson cooks up.

Linebackers :

Arguably our worst and most improved position group at the same time. Last year was abysmal, struggling to get to the QB and allowing a billion intermediate middle of the field passes extending drives. This year, Titans bring on Cody Barton, already named a captain and loved by the team. Solid vet and a monster in camp, he should be a big help and a leader. Especially helping Cedric Gray improve and continue to develop after his impressive camp. 

Arden Key and Dre’Mont Jones, listed as starting OLBs (no surprise), are again, serviceable but not getting me super excited. Both strong players in their own right, but we need somebody who can truly get after the QB. Oladejo (2nd round pick) is extremely raw, but physically, he’s looks like a monster. He’ll get his fair share of reps and show us what he’s got, but he’s an obvious project. 

Weakest group on the team in my opinion, one that will sure be addressed in the next draft or free agency. 

DBs : 

If we can stay healthy here, there’s no reason this group can’t compete with anybody. Sneed coming back (finally) after missing basically all of last year. If he can be a shadow of what he was in Kansas City (healthy), we’ll be plenty happy with that. McCreary comes back again at Nickel, being one of the most consistent guys on the team since being drafted. Jarvis Brownlee Jr hope to continue his development as the diva CB that every team needs. Amani Hooker and Xavier Woods, both veteran safeties who should be plenty solid.

I just really looked over the starters, but there’s a ton of guys i’m excited to watch develop as the season goes on in the WR, O-Line, LB and Safety rooms. Overall, i’m very excited for this Titans season.

Haters won’t like this, but there’s 0 reason why the Titans can’t compete for the AFC South. Not saying we’ll win it or make the playoffs, but we’ve improved a ton and the other teams in the AFC South feel like they’ve regressed. Is that biased? Yes perhaps. But I still believe it anyways.

Titans win 7-8 games this year and I get even more excited about Cam Ward (Chosen One) next year.

Stay tuned, on Friday I’ll be going game by game and spinning every game into a win with some slick mental gymnastics. 

Haters starting to get a cough.

Currently taking questions