Tennessee Titans preseason opener: 4 things to watch for

Offensive formations

One major change we’d like to see from Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is the use of more three-receiver sets. In the past, the Titans have leaned on more two tight end sets on offense.

After adding slot receiver Adam Humphries in free agency and rookie wideout A.J. Brown in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the Titans are as deep at the receiver position as this franchise has been in years.

It’ll be important for Smith to utilize all the weapons at his disposal, especially if the team wants to maximize quarterback Marcus Mariota in his contract year. A healthy passing game will also alleviate the stacked boxes running back Derrick Henry will undoubtedly face in a run-first offense.

One of the missing links for the Titans the past few years has been consistent quarterback play. Even with Mariota not healthy, and not playing at his best in some cases, the Titans have finished 9-7 the past three seasons, mostly on the back of solid defensive play.

Putting more receivers on the field and giving Mariota the best chance to succeed is what could put this team over the top and into the playoffs in 2019.

We’ll get our first look at how the Titans might plan to run their offense during the first week of the preseason, and hopefully that includes having more receivers on the field.