The Tennessee Titans have seemingly been a team on the verge of pushing for a Super Bowl appearance in recent years. The trade for Ryan Tannehill has gone way better than most expected when it took place a couple of years ago. To give Tannehill yet another weapon in the offense, Tennessee acquired Julio Jones via trade from the Atlanta Falcons this offseason, pairing him with A.J. Brown at wide receiver.
Of course, the focal point of the offense is still Derrick Henry, who continues to be one of the league’s best pure runners as a large human being. Despite the departure of Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator, Tennessee’s offense is still expected to be one of the best groups again in 2021.
With weeks to go until the regular season kicks off, here are five bold predictions for the Titans in 2021.
A.J. Brown Notches 1,200+ Receiving Yards
The addition of Jones definitely improves the outlook of Tennessee’s offense in the upcoming season. Even though he isn’t the same receiver he once was, and injuries have taken a toll on him, Jones is going to open up so much for the other members of the offense. While some would argue that Jones could steal targets for Brown, the third-year wideout could be primed for the best season of his career in 2021.
With Jones commanding coverage from opposing defenses, Brown will record a career-best in receiving yards in the upcoming season, producing 1,200+ receiving yards.
Derrick Henry Hauls In 30+ Receptions
When speaking about Henry, he isn’t known for his contributions in the passing game. He’s carried the ball 300+ times in back-to-back seasons, limiting his usage in the aerial attack. However, in each of the past four seasons, he’s increased the number of receptions he’s posted, even it’s a marginal improvement.
But with Henry looking to find ways to improve his game, the power back will haul in a career-best 30+ receptions in 2021, showing he’s a capable receiver for his size. Good luck to defenders that have to tackle Henry on screen passes or quick passes from Tannehill.
Anthony Firkser Has The Third-Most Receptions On The Titans
One of the notable losses for the Titans this offseason was Jonnu Smith. Smith signed a multi-year deal with the New England Patriots, paving the way for someone to see a starting role in the offense. Tennessee did sign Josh Reynolds at wide receiver, who was previously with the Los Angeles Rams.
Despite Reynolds being expected to be the No. 3 wide receiver, Anthony Firkser will have the third-most receptions for the Titans in 2021. Firkser had a career-best 39 receptions in 2020 amid injury issues with Smith.
Titans Record 15+ More Sacks Than They Did In 2020
Getting after the quarterback hasn’t been a strong suit for the Titans in recent seasons. Just last season, Tennessee logged the third-fewest sacks in the NFL with only 19 of them. With the team needing more firepower off of the edge, the Titans signed Bud Dupree from the Pittsburgh Steelers in hopes to bolster their pass rush.
Besides Dupree, Tennessee is anxious to see Harold Landry and Jeffery Simmons grow further in their development in the defense. Given the group they now have rushing the passer, the Titans will total 15 more sacks than they did a season ago in 2021.
Rashaan Evans Is Traded
It may be a bold prediction for Rashaan Evans traded, but I’ve listed it anyways as a bold prediction. The Titans declined his fifth-year option, showing that they are hesitant to commit to him beyond this season. There’s a chance that Tennessee could give him this season to prove that he deserves a new contract next offseason.
However, I believe Evans could be traded anytime between now and the trade deadline in November. With Jayon Brown and David Long Jr. capable of operating as a duo at inside linebacker, Evans is an expendable piece for the Titans entering the 2021 season.
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