Why Austin Hooper is exactly what Ryan Tannehill has been missing
The tight end position plagued quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the Tennessee Titans in 2021. However, by signing Austin Hooper Tennessee addressed a major point of weakness while also finding a viable pass catcher for Tannehill in 2022. The Titans’ run-first offense prioritizes tight ends that can pose a threat in the passing game and hold […]
The tight end position plagued quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the Tennessee Titans in 2021. However, by signing Austin Hooper Tennessee addressed a major point of weakness while also finding a viable pass catcher for Tannehill in 2022.
The Titans’ run-first offense prioritizes tight ends that can pose a threat in the passing game and hold their own in run blocking. Though Geoff Swaim returns as a premier run-blocking tight end, Tannehill clearly missed having a security blanket underneath.
102.5 The Game’s Caroline Fenton joined the Titan Up Podcast this week and mentioned how important Hooper’s rapport with Tannehill will be for the offense’s success.
“I think the addition of Austin Hooper is big,” said Fenton. “But just seeing what I’ve seen at OTAs and mandatory minicamp, it seems like there is some good chemistry built up between Tannehill and Austin Hooper.”
Anthony Firkser was thought to be a major contributor prior to the 2021 season, but the Titans soon came to find out his production was not going to match their expectations. Firkser, Swaim, and MyCole Pruitt did their best to keep the passing game afloat, but when A.J. Brown and Julio Jones missed time due to injury the weakness at tight end was highlighted.
Tannehill has always been an efficient passer in the red zone. In 2020, Tannehill completed 63% of his passes from inside the 20-yard line, throwing 26 touchdowns and just two interceptions. Of course, Tannehill had the luxury of TE Jonnu Smith, who would always find ways to get open.
Tannehill’s red zone stats took a slight dip in 2021. He completed 62% of his passes, passing for 19 touchdowns and three interceptions. His three picks in the red zone tied a league high.
“I think that having those short yardage situations with Austin Hooper – I think that’s what Tannehill was missing last year,” said Fenton. “I think having a certified pass-catching tight end that he can rely on in short-yardage situations, I think that is going to be a big contributing factor to this offense.”
Hooper had success early in his career with the Atlanta Falcons. He posted three consecutive seasons with over 500 receiving yards, totaling 13 touchdowns from 2017-2019.
Hooper's ability to go up and make contested catches should not be taken for granted.
Tennessee signed Hooper to a one-year deal worth $6M, buying low on an established pass-catching tight end. While many believe the Titans downgraded at the wide receiver position, not enough people are discussing how the team upgraded at tight end.
Fenton mentioned a chemistry between Hooper and Tannehill already showing itself, and that will only strengthen once training camp rolls around. Tannehill has always preferred big targets and Hooper’s 6’4” 250-pound frame is exactly that. Playing on a prove-it deal, it wouldn’t shock me to see Hooper reestablish himself as a top 12 tight end in football in 2022.
Featured image via George Walker IV/ Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
