After a tumultuous offseason following a rough 2015 season, there was uncertainty abounding around the Titans during 2016 training camp. With a new head coach, general manager and coaching staff, training camp spurred a bit of curiosity for what a turn around could look like.
It is amazing the difference a year can make, as this Titans training camp is poised to be much different than only a year ago.
After a 9-7 season, added playmakers and deeper talent, there are higher expectations accompanying this team as it reports for training camp on July 28.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the key storylines from the offseason and analyze some things to know heading into camp.
Added Playmakers
The theme of the Titans offseason was simple: give Marcus Mariota more options on offense, improve special teams and transform the secondary.
GM Jon Robinson accomplished all three of those elements by adding playmakers in all three phases.
The new additions of first-round pick corner Adoree’ Jackson, former New England Patriots corner Logan Ryan and former Jacksonville Jaguars safety Jonathan Cyprien, showed off their skills immediately during the first phase of the offseason program. The back half of the defense showed increased speed and more big plays were made on the ball.
The special teams room has also improved with additions of linebacker Daren Bates and safety Brynden Trawick from the Oakland Raiders in free agency. Additionally, Adoree’ Jackson and seventh-round pick Khalfani Muhammad displayed their speed and return ability in organized team activities, which should significantly help an area where the Titans lacked during last season.
And weapons abound for offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie. Third-round wideout Taywan Taylor showed off his playmaking ability during OTA’s and mini-camp, and made his case for playing time.
Fifth-overall pick Corey Davis did not fully participate in OTA’s but was “full-go” in mini-camp practices. His speed and big play ability showed up immediately and he will be a full participant in training camp.
Also, receiving veteran Eric Decker was acquired in free agency after Titans mini-camp bringing a physical, knowledgeable presence.
With the additions in all phases of play, it will be interesting to see how they perform once the pads go on and training camp begins.
Two Key Position Battles
Probably the most important position battle of camp will come at secondary.
Cornerbacks Logan Ryan, Adoree’ Jackson and second-year player Leshaun Sims will compete for the two starting spots outside. At safety, Jonathan Cyprien and Da’Norris Searcy look to compete for the strong safety role. Second-year safety Kevin Byard, who earned starting time towards to end of last season and had a great offseason, saw a much increased role during OTA’s and is expected to start at free safety.
The cornerback room has changed significantly compared to this time last season. The expectations are also higher, so it will be interesting to see who emerges during camp and seizes the key roles.
On the opposite side of the ball, the wide receiver room has experienced equally as much change. Veterans Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker now lead the group. The two draft picks, Davis and Taylor both stood out amongst the veterans in OTA’s and mini-camp.
But second-year receiver Tajae Sharpe, veteran Harry Douglas and free agent addition Eric Weems and others will be battling it out during camp to carve out a spot on the roster.
This camp battle will be fascinating to watch with so much talent added to the group over the offseason.
Healthy Quarterbacks
Probably the most important storyline heading into camp is the health of Marcus Mariota. When Mariota left the field on December 24, 2016, in Jacksonsville with a broken fibula, it was uncertain if he would be ready by training camp.
Now, after a full offseason of rehab, participating in all of the Titans OTA’s and mini-camp and making big strides in the healing process, it appears the young quarterback will be fully healthy entering Saturday’s first camp practice.
Mariota told Jim Wyatt of titansonline.com, “I will be ready to go with everything. I will be full-go in practice, and I will be able to do everything with the guys. And I am excited about that because I wasn’t able to do it in OTAs. It should be a lot of fun.”
Participating fully in team drills and experiencing pressure in the pocket during camp is the first step for Mariota in making sure he truly is ready to go.
The rest of the Titans quarterback room has also continued their own healing process through the second half of this offseason.
Backup quarterback Matt Cassell broke his thumb during organized team activities requiring surgery and should be ready by camp, according to Head Coach Mike Mularkey. Third-stringer Alex Tanney took a good portion of the snaps during the offseason.
Maintaining a healthy quarterback room will be essential during camp, as chemistry must be built with a revamped wide receiver room.
Training Camp Details
Veterans and Rookie Players report: Friday, July 28
First Practice: Saturday, July 29, 2:40 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Location: Saint Thomas Sports Park
If you are planning on going to watch training camp, there will 13 practices open to fans. The entire camp schedule is on the home page of titansradio.com.