Hitting the Ceiling: Treylon Burks and Chig Okonkwo's Development is Paramount
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans will need a much improved offense in 2023 if they hope to reach their ceiling as a team. While there is some uncertainty on defense, expecting more consistency on that side of the ball isn't a hot take. So, what does the Titans offense need to happen to make that improvement?
Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry have been constants for the Titans since 2019. What will really determine the offense's fate will be the factors around those two. In this series we will discuss what has to happen with those factors for the Titans to hit their ceiling this season. First, we talked about Tim Kelly's new offense, but also on that list, is the development of two second-year targets in wide receiver Treylon Burks and tight end Chig Okonkwo.
Treylon Burks
Treylon Burks has been one of the biggest stories of Titans' organized team activities in May. Burks looks faster, in better shape and more confident than ever. After a tough start to his rookie season, Burks has rebounded and settled in.
Burks spent the entire offseason in Nashville. Working in the building everyday and getting an early start on learning the new offense. He gives off the feeling that he is more comfortable in year two and that should be expected.
Last season in 11 games, Burks had 33 catches on 54 targets. That number very well could triple in a healthy season for Burks, especially with the lack of competition for targets. Outside of Okonkwo, there is no one the Titans should look to force feed in the passing game.
Burks will need to blossom into a number one option this season for the Titans' offense to truly maximize it's ability, but he can't be the only one. He will need to be joined by Okonkwo or it won't be enough.
Chig Okonkwo
The Titans second-year tight end put out some impressive numbers in his rookie campaign. Okonkwo led all tight ends in catches of 40 yards or more displaying a knack for explosive plays. He also led all rookie tight ends in catches and yards in 2022.
Whether it was a game-breaking explosive or a consistent safety blanket, Okonkwo can be the answer. With a lack of talent at the receiver position outside of Burks, Okonkwo will most likely be asked to play a good chunk of snaps flexed out in a position more common for a receiver.
Despite all of the positive things just mentioned about Okonkwo just now, he only played in 37% of the Titans' offensive snaps last year. A number that would be flat unacceptable barring an injury in 2023. If Okonkwo stays healthy and gets the snaps his talent deserves, it could mean big things for the Titans.
If Burks and Okonkwo can both stay on the field, they will no doubt get far more opportunities than they did in their rookie seasons. If the flashes of talent we saw in 2022 mean anything, we could see two major options ascend on the Titans' offense. If these two second-years passes catches make that jump, the Titans can hit their ceiling in 2023.
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