3. Improved Tennessee O-line
Going into the 2018 campaign, the Tennessee Titans offensive line was projected to be a top 5 unit. However, after a disappointing year all around in which the starting quarterback was sacked 42 times, and the backup another 5. Although the blame can’t fully be put on the shoulders of the offensive line, that is too high of a number to just shrug off.
In order to solidify an offensive line that was beginning to decline, there had to be a change made. Enter Rodger Saffold.
In the 9 years Saffold has been in the league, he has committed only 42 penalties. Per PFF charting, Saffold has only allowed 4 sacks in the past two years. Adding Saffold will also help the run game too due to the Rams finding the most success running the ball when the ball carrier was behind Saffold. Pairing him beside Lewan on the left side is going to lock down Mariota’s blindside and make it tough for defenses to get to him.
As for the rest of the line, Kevin Pamphile will have an opportunity to compete for the starting RG spot with rookie Nate Davis.
Ben Jones will look to improve from a down year, and although Jack Conklin‘s player option was not picked up, he will have an opportunity to bounce back from an injury prone season and earn a possible contract extension which should be enough motivation.