<
>

Tennessee Titans training camp preview: Will QB Ryan Tannehill's new-found passion be enough?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Tennessee Titans open their 2022 NFL training camp Tuesday at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Here's a closer look at a few storylines:

The biggest question: Can the passing game survive the loss of A.J. Brown? Brown will be catching passes for the Philadelphia Eagles this season after leading the Titans in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in each of the last three seasons. Brown's 869 yards accounted for 23% of the Titans' total receiving yards last season. Tennessee is relying on veteran Robert Woods and rookie Treylon Burks to help fill the void. Woods is a sure-handed receiver, as shown by his 1.3 drop percentage over the last five seasons -- which is the sixth lowest among receivers with at least 200 targets. The Titans' offense should get a boost from Woods once he is fully recovered from a torn ACL in his left knee that he suffered last November. Burks should help mostly by getting yards after the catch. He averaged 9.4 yards after the catch last season at Arkansas, seventh among FBS receivers. All eyes will be on Burks during training camp as the rookie looks to bounce back after missing minicamp because of asthma complications. Don't forget about the tight end group that was bolstered by free agent Austin Hooper and fourth-round pick Chigoziem Okonkwo. Both of which frequently connected with quarterback Ryan Tannehill during OTAs and minicamp.

The player with the most to prove: Tannehill. Tannehill's three interceptions in Tennessee's shocking home loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round of the playoffs last season sent him to what he called a "dark place" that forced him to go to therapy. He vowed to come into this season with a desire to win like he never had before. Reverting back to the productive player that completed 70.3% of his passes in 2019 and threw 33 touchdown passes in 2020 would probably buy him another season in Tennessee. But, his late fourth-quarter interceptions against the Baltimore Ravens and the Bengals sealed the Titans' postseason fate in each of the last two seasons. Tannehill will need to show that he can deliver in the playoffs. Otherwise, the Titans can part ways with Tannehill after this season and absorb an $18.8 million dead cap hit if he doesn't produce and they feel third-round pick Malik Willis is ready to take over.

Most impactful offseason addition: Hooper. The tight end position lacked a true pass-catching threat last season, which is why Hooper was added via free agency during the offseason. Anthony Firkser's 34 receptions for 291 yards were the most by a Titans' tight end in 2021. Even though he set career lows as a starter last season, Hooper's 38 receptions for 345 yards would have tied him for second on the Titans in catches and fourth in receiving yards. Hooper has already built chemistry with Tannehill and is looking to get back to Pro Bowl form like he was in 2018 and 2019 after having 70 or more receptions.

Training camp is a success if ... someone emerges as the unquestioned starter at left guard and right tackle. Two spots opened up along the offensive line when the Titans released left guard Rodger Saffold and chose not to re-sign right tackle David Quessenberry. Tennessee used a second-round pick to select Dillon Radunz last year with hopes that he would eventually start. Radunz is the front runner to fill the right tackle position after spending last season working mostly at guard. But, 2022 third-round pick Nicholas Petit-Frere will likely get a chance to compete at right tackle as well. The battle for left guard will mainly focus on Aaron Brewer and free-agent addition Jamarco Jones. Putting on the pads will give the team an opportunity to truly evaluate their options, especially during joint practices with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Arizona Cardinals. Solidifying the two spots as soon as possible will give the new-look offensive line more time to gel heading into the season.

Camp prediction: Okonkwo will solidify a role as one of Tannehill's favorite pass-catchers. Okonkwo's playmaking ability flashed during minicamp when he caught four touchdown passes in two days of red zone seven-on-seven work. The Titans' coaching staff likes Okonkwo's versatile skill set. Okonkwo's 4.5-second time in the 40-yard dash was the fastest among tight ends at the scouting combine. His speed matches up favorably against linebackers and safeties making him a viable threat in the passing game. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound tight end has drawn comparisons to former Titans tight end Jonnu Smith. Tannehill already likes what he's seen from Okonkwo. Added Tannehill, "Just physically, to see his size, his strength, his speed, how he’s able to play through contact, he definitely gives us another weapon."