Tennessee Titans: Midseason studs and duds of 2019 NFL season

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 20: Punter Brett Kern #6 of the Tennessee Titans throws a pass to Kevin Byard #31 for a first down on a fake punt attempt during the first half at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 20: Punter Brett Kern #6 of the Tennessee Titans throws a pass to Kevin Byard #31 for a first down on a fake punt attempt during the first half at Nissan Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee Titans LB, Rashaan Evans.
CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 08: Rashaan Evans #54 of the Tennessee Titans sticks his tongue out at Jarvis Landry #80 of the Cleveland Browns after tackling Landry in the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio . (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Stud: Rashaan Evans

Second-year linebacker Rashaan Evans has been wonderful this season, showing fans why the Titans drafted him in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Evans’ mix of tackling and speed is a great complement next to Jayon Brown’s coverage skills. The duo reminds me of the Seahawks’ Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright.

Evans has been able to stay healthy this season and has started all eight games. Leading the team in tackles, Evans is crucial in shutting down the midfield game. He has also been vital in improving the run defense, with four tackles for loss so far.

Dud: Corey Davis

Corey Davis, however, has not been a big part of the Titans’ season thus far. After coming into his third year with high expectations after a career-best 2018, Davis has fallen backwards. While most of Davis’s early-season struggles can be attributed to poor quarterback play, Davis hasn’t quite stepped up yet.

Davis has yet to have a 100-yard game and has struggled to get open, even against middling secondaries. Against the Bucs last week, Davis was only able connect with Tannehill for two receptions for nine yards on six targets.

For the Titans to really open up the offense, Davis needs to be able to win one-on-one battles and catch contested balls.