The Tennessee Titans risk making a massive mistake if they fail to address key weaknesses and improve team performance.

The Tennessee Titans, a team with a storied history and a loyal fanbase, are at a critical juncture. As they head into the upcoming seasons, the Titans are faced with several crucial decisions that could shape the trajectory of the franchise for years to come. If they fail to address key weaknesses and improve their team performance, they risk making a massive mistake that could set the organization back for the foreseeable future.

The NFL is a league where the difference between success and failure can often come down to a few key moves, whether it’s a blockbuster trade, a savvy draft pick, or a critical decision about a player’s future. For the Titans, their current state of affairs requires both introspection and bold action to avoid making irreversible mistakes that will have long-term consequences.

The Current State of the Titans: A Team in Transition

Over the past few seasons, the Tennessee Titans have fluctuated between being competitive and falling short of meeting their potential. Led by head coach Mike Vrabel, the Titans have seen some highs, such as their playoff runs and the incredible individual performances of players like running back Derrick Henry. However, the team has also faced some glaring issues that have hindered its ability to take the next step and become a true contender in the AFC.

One of the most notable aspects of the Titans’ recent seasons has been the inconsistency of their quarterback position. Ryan Tannehill, who has been the team’s starting quarterback since 2019, has played well in stretches but has also struggled with injuries and costly turnovers. As the Titans rely heavily on their offense to keep up with some of the league’s best teams, Tannehill’s performance is a critical factor in determining the team’s success. However, despite flashes of brilliance, he has not been able to consistently deliver in big moments.

Additionally, the Titans’ offensive line has been another area of concern. The offensive line’s struggles have had a direct impact on the performance of key players, particularly Derrick Henry. The Titans’ power-running game, which has been one of their biggest strengths, has been stymied by inconsistent blocking, resulting in fewer explosive plays and limiting the team’s overall offensive potential. With age starting to catch up with some of the offensive line’s veterans, there is a growing need for an infusion of young talent to protect Tannehill and open running lanes for Henry.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Titans have also been up and down. While they’ve had standout players like Jeffery Simmons and Kevin Byard, the overall defense has been inconsistent, especially in critical moments of games. The Titans have been unable to generate the consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks that elite defenses rely on, and their secondary has occasionally struggled against high-powered passing attacks.

With all these issues in play, the Titans find themselves at a crossroads. The team has the potential to be competitive, but they must address these weaknesses to avoid falling into mediocrity. If the Titans fail to make the necessary adjustments, they risk squandering the prime years of their key players, including Derrick Henry, and potentially wasting the opportunity to make a legitimate Super Bowl run.

The Quarterback Dilemma: A Team in Need of a Decision

One of the most pressing issues facing the Titans is their quarterback situation. While Ryan Tannehill has shown flashes of brilliance since taking over the starting role in 2019, he has also shown that he can be prone to mistakes and injuries, which have plagued him over the past few seasons. With Tannehill now in his mid-30s, the Titans must seriously consider whether he is the long-term answer at the position.

The issue is further complicated by the team’s lack of a clear successor to Tannehill. While backup quarterbacks like Malik Willis and Logan Woodside have been brought in to provide depth, neither has shown the ability to unseat Tannehill as the team’s starter. Willis, in particular, has shown promise but remains a work in progress. There is still significant uncertainty surrounding his ability to become the franchise quarterback that the Titans need to lead them to sustained success.

The Titans could look to the 2023 NFL Draft to find a potential successor. This year’s draft class features a talented crop of quarterbacks, including prospects like Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Will Levis. If the Titans believe that any of these quarterbacks are ready to step in and lead the franchise, they could make a move to select one. However, it’s a risky proposition to build your future around a rookie quarterback, and there are concerns about whether the Titans’ current roster is built to support a young quarterback in the early years of his career.

If the Titans decide to stick with Tannehill for one more season, they must make sure they’re addressing the issues that have held him back, such as the offensive line and overall offensive consistency. Giving Tannehill the support he needs to succeed could give the team one final shot at a playoff run. But if they do not see Tannehill as their long-term answer, they risk making a massive mistake by failing to invest in a future quarterback early on.

The Offensive Line: An Area That Needs Immediate Attention

For the Titans to succeed in 2023 and beyond, one of their top priorities must be to improve their offensive line. The offensive line has been a significant factor in both Tannehill’s struggles and Henry’s inability to replicate his dominant performances from previous seasons. If the Titans do not improve the line’s performance, they risk squandering the talent they have on offense, especially given Henry’s window as an elite running back.

The team has made some moves to address the line in recent years, but they have not been able to secure consistent, high-level play across the entire group. If the Titans do not invest in improving the offensive line through the draft or free agency, they risk creating an environment where their offense is unable to move the ball effectively, leading to missed opportunities and frustrating losses.

The 2023 NFL Draft offers a chance to bolster the offensive line with young, talented prospects. Additionally, the Titans could look to free agency to bring in proven players who can provide immediate impact. The longer the Titans wait to address this issue, the more they risk wasting the prime years of their current roster. If the offensive line continues to underperform, it could be the biggest obstacle standing between the Titans and their aspirations for championship contention.

The Defense: A Step Behind the Competition

While the Titans’ defense has been solid in certain areas, they’ve fallen behind some of the league’s top defenses in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and covering elite receivers. In a division where the Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans all have rising offensive weapons, the Titans need a defense that can consistently make game-changing plays.

The defense has been anchored by stars like Jeffery Simmons, Kevin Byard, and Harold Landry, but they have been unable to consistently disrupt opposing offenses. The Titans will need to improve their pass rush, secondary coverage, and overall defensive depth to keep pace with the high-powered offenses of the AFC. If they do not make key additions to their defense, they risk being outmatched by more explosive teams in the postseason, especially if their offense is unable to carry the load.

The Bottom Line: The Titans Must Act Now

The Tennessee Titans are at a pivotal moment in their franchise history. They have key players in place, but they must make the right moves now to avoid making a massive mistake that could derail their competitive window. Whether it’s addressing the quarterback situation, improving the offensive line, or bolstering the defense, the Titans must act decisively.

The Titans cannot afford to wait any longer. They must be proactive in seeking solutions to their most pressing problems. By making the right moves now, the Titans can set themselves up for success in the short term and build a foundation for the future.

If the Titans fail to address these weaknesses, they risk falling behind in the highly competitive AFC, where teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals are all vying for supremacy. The Titans have the potential to be a contender, but only if they make the necessary improvements and avoid making the mistake of standing still while the competition moves forward.

As they enter the 2023 season and beyond, the Tennessee Titans must recognize that this is a critical moment for their franchise. The wrong moves could send them into a rebuilding phase, while the right moves could position them to become a championship contender. The next steps they take will define the future of the team and either propel them to greatness or leave them searching for answers for years to come.