Tennessee Titans: 2020 Midseason Report Card
The Tennessee Titans are halfway through the 2020 season, which means it's time for a midseason report card. At 6-2, the Titans have been good in a lot of areas in 2020, but they could also stand to make some improvements. Quarterback: A- While QB Ryan Tannehill hasn't been perfect in 2020, he's been pretty […]
The Tennessee Titans are halfway through the 2020 season, which means it's time for a midseason report card.
At 6-2, the Titans have been good in a lot of areas in 2020, but they could also stand to make some improvements.
Quarterback: A-
While QB Ryan Tannehill hasn't been perfect in 2020, he's been pretty darn good. After his performance in Week Six that sealed a 5-0 start to the season for the Titans, he entered the MVP conversation.
Tannehill's production has slowed in the Titans' most recent three games, but a strong second half of the season could certainly lead to him being nominated for MVP along with Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson.
Coaching: B-
This grade would be lower had it not been for the amazing job the Titans' coaching staff did of keeping the team focused and prepared during its disastrous COVID-19 outbreak in October.
Aside from that, the Titans' coaches have not exactly been awe-inspiring in 2020. Head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive play-caller Shane Bowen have done a poor job with the defense, with Vrabel waiting far too long to pull the trigger on benching CB Johnathan Joseph.
Wide Receiver: B-
Following an offseason of concern that the Titans' didn't have enough depth at receiver to be successful on offense, the Titans' receivers have really stepped up to the plate.
WR A.J. Brown, after returning from an injury that kept him out for a month, quickly returned to his late-2019 form. He's becoming one of the NFL's most lethal threats both on the outside and in the slot.
Corey Davis has also had some nice moments and looks to be fully healthy, unlike in 2019. Role players like Kalif Raymond and Adam Humphries have also been big contributors.
Running Back: B+
Amazingly, Derrick Henry has a real shot at running for 2,000 by the end of the season. He's currently at 896 yards, and we all know that Henry's pace typically picks up in the second half of the season.
Still, Henry's 2020 season is not without blemish. He's produced some big-time moments, particularly in the Titans' overtime win over the Texans, but he's also had some "blah" moments.
In a lot of games, Henry hasn't looked like himself. He's looked slow and struggled to get to the second level, at times.
But, those struggles remain a far cry from the version of Henry that essentially was benched in 2018. He's still the player the Titans paid during the offseason, and he figures to have a great finish to the season.
Tight End: B+
Tight end has been one of the biggest bright spots on the Titans' roster in 2020.
While Jonnu Smith, Anthony Firkser and MyCole Pruitt aren't superstars, each of them is perfect for what the Titans ask of tight ends.
Smith is an explosive threat with the ball in his hands, Firkser has a knack for getting open on third down and Pruitt is an effective blocker in the run game.
Offensive Line: B-
The Titans' offensive line hasn't been dominant in 2020, unlike 2019, but the group has gotten the job done.
Even without star LT Taylor Lewan, who's done for the season with a torn ACL, the group has opened up holes for Henry and allowed Tannehill to remain upright. Ty Sambrailo, Lewan's replacement, has done a fine job in relief of the 3-time Pro Bowler.
DEFENSE ———>
Edge Pass Rush: F
The Titans' two biggest free agency acquisitions of 2020, outside linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Vic Beasley, have been massive flops.
Beasley's lack of both effort and production led to him being released after playing in just five games. He cost the Titans $9.5 million that would have been better spent on buying gas station scratch-offs.
Clowney, who's making at least $13 million in 2020, has yet to record a sack. He's hardly made an impact on the defense.
Harold Landry has just 2.5 sacks, though the Titans' coaches have been way too insistent on dropping him into coverage in obvious passing situations.
If the Titans can't get more production out of their edge rushers in the second half of 2020, the defense is going to continue to get embarrassed.
Interior DL: A
The Titans' starters on the interior of the defensive line, DaQuan Jones and Jeffery Simmons, have been pretty remarkable in 2020.
Simmons, in particular, has been on a tear. Expectations were high for the second-year player from Mississippi State heading into the season, and he's met them.
He's become a major disruptive force and a true nightmare for offenses to deal with. His performance in the Titans' most recent game against the Bears earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Inside Linebackers: D+
Perhaps the biggest disappointments for the Titans in 2020 have been linebackers Rashaan Evans and Jayon Brown. Each looked primed for breakout campaigns, yet neither has come anywhere close to meeting expectations.
Brown seems to be trending in the right direction, now, following a pair of solid performances, but Evans remains mostly invisible. He also got himself thrown out of the Titans' season opener for punching an opponent.
Secondary: D+
The only thing keeping this grade from being an F is the fact that, with the absence of Joseph and the addition of Desmond King, the group turned in a quality performance in Week Nine.
In every other game, though, the Titans' secondary was a disaster. Not only have the cornerbacks been a major problem, but safeties Kevin Byard and Kenny Vaccaro have been mostly invisible.
Hopefully, as King continues to become more comfortable and Adoree' Jackson gets back on the field, this group will continue to grow.
Kicking: C-
Stephen Gostkowski has been all over the place in 2020. He kicked game-winners in each of the Titans' first three games of the season. He was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Month for September.
However, he also has missed a lot of kicks, including a fourth-quarter would-be go-ahead kick in Week Seven against the Steelers.
Punting: A
Brett Kern, who's currently dealing with a hand injury, has been his usual dominant self this season. His replacement, Ryan Allen, played very well in his first game on Sunday.
Cover image: Joseph Maiorana/USA Today
