This offseason marked a significant transition for the Tennessee Titans, signaling the end of an era. However, under new leadership, the franchise has become aggressive for their rebuilding phase, instilling hope and optimism among the fan base.
The Titans wasted no time in addressing key positions, swiftly acquiring former Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard in free agency to fill the void left by Derrick Henry’s departure, securing him with a three-year deal. Additionally, the team made notable signings in center Lloyd Cushenberry, previously with the Denver Broncos. And wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who joins from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
These moves have reshaped the Titans’ offensive front for the upcoming 2024 season, drawing excitement from veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new offensive scheme under former Cincinnati Bengals coordinator Brian Callahan, Hopkins highlighted the potential of the revamped Titans offense.
“I am very excited to get going under Brian’s offense and his schemes,” Hopkins remarked during a press conference at the NFL owners meetings, as reported by the Titans’ official website. “Obviously, I’ve talked to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and those guys told me that I would love this offense, and I think the sky is the limit, especially with a guy like Calvin (Ridley). I am very excited for this offense.”
What aspects of the new offensive system will Hopkins find appealing? While it would be unrealistic to anticipate an exact replication of Zac Taylor’s approach in Cincinnati, an uptick in passing is expected.
Tennessee has ranked among the bottom ten passing offenses annually since 2020, with a particularly dismal performance last year, ranking fourth-worst with 190.4 passing yards per game. Nonetheless, Hopkins managed to achieve his seventh career 1,000-yard receiving season in 2023, hauling in 75 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns.
With Taylor and Callahan in Cincinnati, Joe Burrow solidified his position as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. In fact, when he suffered a season-ending wrist injury last year, his backup, Jake Browning, filled in admirably, leading the league in completion percentage (70%) and ranking fifth in yards per attempt (8.0).
Chase, a standout pass-catcher, is widely regarded as one of the best worldwide, while Higgins has notched two 1,000-yard seasons in his four-year career. Both receivers rank in the top five in Bengals history for most receiving yards in a player’s first four NFL seasons.
As expected, Tennessee prioritized offense this offseason, and young quarterback Will Levis has seen his situation improve, with the NFL Draft still ahead.
“I’m thrilled, I’ve got a smile on my face,” Hopkins stated. “I’m focused on winning a championship, and everything that Miss Amy and Ran (Carthon) are doing aligns with that goal. It’s hard not to be excited about the offseason moves we’ve made and the direction this team is heading.
“My mindset is to win a championship this year for the Tennessee Titans, and that’s how I’m approaching every day.”
