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How Tennessee Titans can reach double-digit wins in 2020

By Brady Akins

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 24: Head Coach Mike Vrabel talks with Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans on the field during warm ups before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 24: Head Coach Mike Vrabel talks with Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans on the field during warm ups before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Nissan Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith.
NASHVILLE, TN – CIRCA 2011: In this handout image provided by the NFL, Arthur Smith of the Tennessee Titans poses for his NFL headshot circa 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by NFL via Getty Images) /

Keep Arthur Smith on staff

Listing this as a 2020 priority halfway through the 2019 season probably would have come across as insane, but by the end of the year, Arthur Smith had proven himself to be more than capable of calling an effective offense.

After getting off to a slow start that felt all too familiar for recent Titans offenses, Smith found his footing as a play-caller, and the offense took off as a result. Sure, Smith’s job was made easier by the talent on the roster.

Ryan Tannehill emerged as a surprise star, the offensive line improved when Taylor Lewan came back from suspension, and Derrick Henry re-emerged as an absolute force at running back. But as Smith gained experience at calling plays, he learned how to bring the best out of his team.

As the season went on, Smith learned to trust the run-blocking strength of the line and roll with Henry early and often. He figured out a scheme to let Tannehill thrive, focusing heavily on the play-action passing game and not forcing the quarterback to carry the team on his own.

With Smith’s improvement, the Titans became one of the most effective units in the NFL, finishing ranked 10th in points per game and 12th in total yards.

Keeping Smith around as the offensive coordinator and not letting him leave would be a tremendous gain for the Titans’ 2020 playoff odds. Bringing him back would maintain coaching consistency, and allow another year of growth for the first-year coordinator who just put together one of the best Titans offenses in over a decade.

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