It’s that time of year, no football being played, other sports drawing to a close, and baseball about to begin. But the NFL offseason is in full swing. As the calendar inches ever closer to the NFL Draft, and free agency is in full swing, Veterans have become unfortunate cap casualties. What better time to address some of the team’s glaring questions?
Bud Dupree will Address the Elephant in the Room, the Pass Rush?
True. A year ago the Titans signed Vic Beasley to address that need and right before the season began they also signed Jadeveon Clowney. The thought was the pass rush issues that had plagued this team in 2018 when their season ended one win shy of the Super Bowl, would be solved. Beasley was released around mid-season and Clowney ended the season on injured reserve. Neither had much of an impact in the area they were signed for.
The concern is that Dupree is coming off of a season-ending ACL injury. But if he is the same player he was in Pittsburgh, along with the addition of former Indianapolis Colt, Denico Autry, and the re-signing of linebacker Jayon Brown, the pass rush for the Titans should no longer be a liability.
Just 4 months post ACL surgery and Bud Dupree is already back to jogging. pic.twitter.com/jZdLyVDeJS
— Titans Tape (@TitansTape) March 30, 2021
Derrick Henry is Taking it Easy This Offseason?
False. The back-to-back NFL rushing champion and just the eighth running back to eclipse the 2,000-yard rushing mark in a season is already gearing up for a run at a third straight title. A sample of his offseason workout set social media, as well as his team’s opponents officially on notice.
Derrick Henry is running for 3k next season ????
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) March 26, 2021
(???? @SandersFit)pic.twitter.com/OU4kKjDQpr
The Loss of Weapons will Hurt Ryan Tannehill and the Passing Game?
False. The loss of wide receiver Corey Davis and tight end Jonnu Smith takeaway about 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns away from Tannehill’s numbers from a season ago. His number one target A.J. Brown is still a Titan and the addition of former Los Angeles Rams receiver Josh Reynolds will fill some of the void left by Davis and Adam Humphries, who was also a salary cap casualty in Nashville. If they make another key signing at receiver or draft one at number 22 in the draft. Or they may try to trade up to land an upper-tier receiver like Ja’Marr Chase from LSU or DeVonta Smith from Alabama, which will solidify the passing game.
The Revamped Secondary will be a Liability?
True. Safety Kenny Vaccaro, defensive backs Malcolm Butler and Adoree’ Jackson were all victims of the Titans freeing up cap space. The three of them freed up over $25 million. Butler’s season last year was his best in his career, he accounted for 100 tackles and four interceptions.
The team signed former Saints corner Janoris Jenkins and former Browns corner Kevin Johnson, to fill the void. Both are veterans, but neither has been known to be ‘shut down’ in coverage in their careers. Safety Kevin Byard will have to pick up much of the slack in the back end. But if the front seven is as advertised it will help mask the inadequacies of the secondary.
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Hey Joe how do you get your name out there for writing about sports? It’s also a lifelong dream of mine.
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The site is always looking for writers.