Why Mike Vrabel should reconsider his plan for Ryan Tannehill
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is as tough as they come, and Sunday's game in Los Angeles was just another example of that. After being brought to the ground on the first series of the game by Khalil Mack, Tannehill was carted off the field with what appeared to be an aggravation of the ankle […]
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is as tough as they come, and Sunday's game in Los Angeles was just another example of that.
After being brought to the ground on the first series of the game by Khalil Mack, Tannehill was carted off the field with what appeared to be an aggravation of the ankle injury that has bothered him all season. As soon as the cart came out and Tannehill's shoe came off, Titans fans began to fear the worst.
Surprisingly, Tannehill was back on the field and in the game by the second quarter, and despite not always looking mobile or comfortable, he was able to tough things out and finish the game.
This does not necessarily mean Tannehill will be good to go for next week, though. When Tannehill initially suffered his ankle injury in Week 6 against the Indianapolis Colts, he returned to action and finished the game, but would then miss the next two contests in recovery.
With his status in question for next week against Houston, it's time for Mike Vrabel to rethink his strategy and give Tannehill the rest he needs to get healthy before season's end.
AFC South Race
While the Titans have lost four in a row and seen their lead in the AFC South begin to shrink, they are still in control of their own destiny. Here's a look at where things stand with just three games left to play:
Here's the interesting part. Because the Titans and Jaguars will play each other in Week 18 to finish the regular season, losing the next two games are inconsequential for Tennessee when it comes to the playoff picture. There is a still an opportunity to clinch the division before Week 18, but there is no scenario in which the Titans can lose out on the division title over the next two games.
Even if the Titans were to lose to both the Texans and Cowboys, and the Jaguars defeated the Jets and Texans over the next two weeks, Tennessee would still be playing for the division title come week 18.
In that scenario, Jacksonville would be entering the final game with a record of 8-8, and a division record of 3-2. Tennessee would come in with a record of 7-9 and a division record of 3-2. Therefore, a win over Jacksonville would propel the Titans back into first place at 8-9 and winning the tiebreaker (division record), regardless of what happened over the next two weeks.
Get Healthy
That brings me to my next point. The Titans main priority at the moment should be getting as healthy as possible in order to finish the season closer to full strength. Over the next few weeks, the Titans could see a return from Treylon Burks, Denico Autry, Amani Hooker, and other key playmakers. If they are able to head into Jacksonville in January with those names available, they will be much better off.
January 8th in Jacksonville should be treated as a playoff game. It's a win-and-in scenario. If that means resting Ryan Tannehill over the next two weeks to make sure he's moving around better on his ankle, that is what needs to be done.
That's not a strategy Mike Vrabel seems to have much interest in, though.
Vrabel told the media on Monday that Tannehill would try to tough it out this weekend against the Texans. "He'll work extremely hard to get back and find a way to make the game like he always has," Vrabel told the media on Monday. "Again, I'm never going to question his toughness or his willingness to get back and help us win."
I asked Vrabel if it was possible the Titans could rest some players dealing with nagging injuries in preparation for that game in Jacksonville. He responded with a resounding no.
At the end of the day, the Titans want to be playing their best football heading into the playoffs. They want to build some momentum and see a game or two go into the win column before they play for their season. Having Ryan Tannehill on the field, even if hobbled, gives them the best chance at turning this ship around next week against Houston. I just think that strategy needs to be reconsidered.
Playing your best football heading into the playoffs only matters if you are…in the playoffs. Even if the Titans beat the texans, odds are that the Week 18 matchup against the Jaguars will determine whether or not they make it there, and Tennessee's best chance of winning that game is having Ryan Tannehill healthy. I don't need to see him toughing it out until then.
Image via Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
