NFL Power Rankings Give Titans Very Low Rank
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans finished the 2022 season on a seven-game losing streak and gave away the AFC South division. It is understandable most national outlets may have a negative view of the Titans as a result. However, the Titans had 23 players on injured reserve and back ups at all almost every position on offense by the end of the season. With all of that, they were still one controversial fumble ruling away from making the playoffs.
The Titans have the 11th pick in the NFL draft so ranking them at 24 in a early power rankings list isn’t inconceivable, but when you consider the injury and line up situation discussed above, it is hard to see the Titans finishing that poorly a second season in a row.
The Titans have an entire draft, will be able to carve out around $25 million in cap space or more with a few easy cuts and, maybe most importantly, fired former offensive coordinator Todd Downing and promoted Tim Kelly. Also, at some point the Titans have to quit having historic levels of injuries, right?
Add that all together and the fact that the two teams in the bottom two spots play in the Titans division, it becomes hard to see how the Titans would deserve a ranking so low. All of this and new general manager Ran Carthon hasn’t been mentioned yet either.
Carthon came over from San Francisco where he helped the 49ers build one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. Surely, he would be able to make some solid acquisitions that pan out better than his predecessor, Jon Robinson. The Titans and Carthon are overhauling a ton of things from the roster to staff around the building.
While some may view this much change as a valid reason for the Titans rating in this power rankings, again, the AFC South’s quality as a division should make it possible for the Titans to get back to a winning record, at least. It isn’t just the AFC South either, one big thing working in the Titans’ favor this year is the schedule. Having finished in second place in the division, the Titans will play other second-place finishers around the NFL, something they haven’t seen in two seasons.
While the Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of positive momentum, they played a last place schedule in 2022. That will not be the case after their division title. It will be tougher on the Jaguars and easier on the Titans, schedule-wise, with the Titans playing teams like the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns and the Tom Brady-less Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
At the end of the day, it is a “way too early” power rankings and a lot will change with these teams going forward, but it would be hard to blame a Titans’ fan if they put a bookmark in this one and came back to it when it logically is proven wrong.
Top Three Defensive Needs: Andrew Thomison looks at the top three positions of need for the Titans entering the 2023 season. CLICK HERE
Taylor Lewan Talks Future, Titans: What does the future hold for Lewan with the Titans? He shared his thoughts with Jim Wyatt. CLICK HERE
FILM ROOM FRIDAY: What does Tim Kelly have in store for the Titans offense? CLICK HERE
