How Austin Hooper silenced his critics in Titans' fourth straight win
Tennessee Titans veteran tight end Austin Hooper has been the target of much criticism during his first season in Nashville. After being signed to a one year deal in March, many people believed the Titans had finally found a vertical threat tight end that could make a difference in their offense. That’s something the Titans […]
Tennessee Titans veteran tight end Austin Hooper has been the target of much criticism during his first season in Nashville.
After being signed to a one year deal in March, many people believed the Titans had finally found a vertical threat tight end that could make a difference in their offense. That’s something the Titans have not truly had since Delanie Walker.
Hooper's training camp reaffirmed those thoughts. The seven-year NFL veteran spent extra time during camp working with quarterback Ryan Tannehill to build chemistry. During red zone drills and live team periods, Hooper was often Tannehill’s favorite target.
To this point, though, that relationship has not translated to success in the regular season games. Hooper had just six catches for 55 receiving yards in the Titans first five games of 2022, and naturally, people had questions.
Where did the chemistry between Tannehill and Hooper go? Why was he not receiving the majority of snaps at tight end? Would he ever contribute to the Titans passing game?
Even ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported just a week ago that he had been hearing Hoopers name as the subject of trade talks between the Titans and other teams, and many people, myself included, didn’t bat an eye. Hooper felt like a lost cause in the Titans offense.
On Sunday, however, things finally began to click, and Hooper proved why he belongs to be here.
Hooper hauled in 3 catches for 56 yards against the Colts, all of them going for first downs, and all of them coming in the second half. Hooper’s final acrobatic grab helped put the game out of reach by getting the Titans in field goal range.
While 3 catches and 56 yards does not jump out as being the biggest, most impressive numbers, Hooper took advantage of the opportunity he was given.
He played just 26 snaps, less than both Okonkwo and Swaim; but still showed why it’s nice to have him out there. The chemistry with Tannehill was finally on display. After the game, both Hooper and head coach Mike Vrabel spoke to the keys behind the big showing.
"We just got the right looks," Hooper said. "Because of the defenses we're playing in the past, you just have to move on. Ryan gave me some cool opportunities today, and your job as a player is to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way."
While Hooper took advantage, catching all three passes thrown his way, he doesn't believe he did anything special to earn the credit.
"Praise to Todd [Downing] for giving me an opportunity with the call and Ryan [Tannehill] for throwing me open," Hooper said. "Nothing I did was magical route running it was just Ryan putting the ball and giving me a chance."
When Mike Vrabel took the podium, he further confirmed what Hooper said about his lack of targets being due to the opposing defenses and healthy offensive personnel.
"Where we're at right now, there hasn't been a whole lot of opportunities for production," Vrabel said. "We've talked about this…just a number of snaps, but clearly appreciate what he's done. Ryan's always had trust in him."
Hooper may not be giving himself enough credit. That late catch on 3rd down to put the Titans in field goal range was an incredible display of athleticism and focus that cannot be taught or schemed. That's just an experienced player making a really good play to help his team secure a game.
It would benefit the Titans to try and continue getting Hooper involved more as the season goes on. He showed on Sunday that he still has what it takes to pose a threat down the field, and with the Titans depleted receiving core having just four healthy options, the offense needs all the pass catchers possible.
It's time to ease off on the criticism of Austin Hooper. He's doing the best he can in a really difficult situation.
Image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
