Titans Receive Harsh Prediction Regarding Status in AFC South

Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently predicted that the Titans will finish in last place again in the AFC South division. Moton had several reasons for this projection, most of which were based on concerns about the offense surrounding Ward.

In particular, Moton was unsure about the wide receiver room outside of Calvin Ridley. He also had questions about the Titans' biggest free agent signing, former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr., who gave up 12 sacks last season.

However, despite marking many things as negative, Moton did identify some positives that can help the Titans avoid finishing last in the division. One of those positives was the combination of Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears at running back. 

Both are talented players who possess good speed and quickness, and they also run tough. If both of these running backs are healthy and consistently productive, that takes pressure off Ward and the passing game this season.

The more they can run the ball, the more they can limit the possessions of their opponents, which will increase their chances of winning. With the new additions up front in Moore Jr. and former Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler, the Titans improved up front, even if it may not have been to the level of what some may think. 

With an improved offensive line, the Titans should be able to run the ball more effectively than they did last season. What also complements the running game is a stingy defense. Last season, the Titans allowed the second-fewest yards in the NFL. 

They did have some blown assignments and were stuck with too many short fields, which led to them giving up too many easy points. But they improved as the 2024 season went on, and they can do the same in 2025. 

This season, the Titans do need a better pass rush, and questions about that will persist until the season starts, given the loss of former Pro Bowler Harold Landry. However, last season, they were an average unit and still kept the team in games.

Lastly, the quarterback play was one of the culprits of the poor offensive production. The Titans experienced subpar quarterback play from both Will Levis and Mason Rudolph, who threw a combined 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. 

These two also had fumble issues, both forced and unforced. With an improved offensive line and Ward under center, the Titans should be better at holding on to the football.

This will limit the short fields the defense has to play with and allow the offense to either stay on the field or punt the ball away and make opponents earn their points more.

The Titans were a bad team last season, and that cannot be denied. However, in Year 2 under Brian Callahan, they have an opportunity to improve.