One burning question for each NFL team

By John Buhler | Jun 14, 2017

Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) drops back to pass against Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Joe Thomas (48) during the second quarter in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

31 of 32

Dec 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) and defensive back Valentino Blake (47) react after a fumble recover against the Denver Broncos at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Tennessee Titans: Will the Titans believe their own hype?

Last year, we were all infatuated with how good the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders were going to be. They crushed the 2016 offseason. While Oakland made the AFC Playoffs, Jacksonville fired their coach. This year, the NFC hype train is being driven by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the AFC, that would be the Tennessee Titans as the conductor.

Tennessee should be in the mix to win the AFC South in 2017. They have their franchise quarterback in Marcus Mariota. General manager Jon Robinson has done a solid job putting a team around him, especially one of the better offensive lines in football. Let’s not slouch on Tennessee’s grossly underrated coaching staff of head coach Mike Mularkey, defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie.

If all goes according to plan, the Titans could be as good as the No. 3 seed in the AFC Playoffs, playing the New England Patriots in Foxborough for the AFC Championship. The problem is that the football gods care zero for you or anybody’s plans. Will Tennessee buy into their own hype and fail to meet expectations?

Well, the Titans have to start beating the rival Indianapolis Colts first. That would help. Houston and Jacksonville should have top-10 defenses as well. Tennessee has a great shot at winning the division , but will need to go at least 10-6 overall and 4-2 in the AFC South to make that a reality. Oakland popped in the FC last year. This could be the year that Tennessee joins the cool kids table in January.

Home/NFL