6 bold and borderline reckless Tennessee Titans predictions
By Brady Akins
Ryan Tannehill Finishes Top Two In Passing TDs
Passing volume is not the same as passing efficiency.
Say it again, this time, with feeling.
Passing volume is not the same as passing efficiency.
Getting that one out of the way, just in case the “yeah but the Titans don’t throw the ball” Tannehill detractors manage to get their hands on this. With that note in mind, let’s dig into the numbers and talk about why this bold prediction could actually become a reality.
Tannehill’s numbers in 2019 speak for themselves, and chances are, I don’t need to rehash them (but if you want to take a look, here you go). But the Sparknotes version is this: deadly accurate, incredible in passer rating and yards per attempt, second in the NFL in touchdown percentage. All leading to a 22 touchdown season in just ten starts.
If Tannehill played a full 16-game schedule and was able to keep his efficiency the same for that entire stretch– Ryan Tannehill would have thrown for 35 touchdowns, second place in the league, behind only reigning MVP Lamar Jackson.
You don’t need me to tell you that 35 touchdowns in one year is impressive, same for 22 in ten games. What’s even more impressive, however, is how Tannehill got to that number.
Being traded in from the Dolphins as a backup, having no prior experience with the offense or the roster, sitting on the bench for six weeks, and coming in midseason looking like one of the best players in the league? Now that’s impressive, and that’s why Tannehill can do it again this year.
Even if he regresses a bit as a player, he will still have things working in his favor that he didn’t in 2019. Chemistry with his pass-catchers, an offseason worth of reps as the QB1, and a heightened familiarity with Arthur Smith’s schemes– plus a full 16-games to pad his stats.
The Titans had Ryan Tannehill throwing touchdowns on 7.7% of his passes last year, and if he can get around that number again, he’ll be sitting atop the NFL in touchdowns.