NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense this season?
By Jakob Ashlin
13. Tennessee Titans
- Notable additions: EDGE Arden Key, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting, LB Azeez Al-Shaair
- Notable losses: DE DeMarcus Walker, EDGE Bud Dupree, LB David Long Jr.
- 2022 scoring defense: 14th
- 2022 yards defense: 23rd
First of all, respect to the Titans, who had the most games lost to injury last season but still weathered the storm.
Their 2022 statistics are eye-popping. They simultaneously allowed the most passing yards and the least rushing yards.
With that in mind, the Titans’ run defense is far from a concern, given their elite performance last season, but their pass defense is clearly a big problem.
However, there are reasons to project a bounce back. Obviously, injuries played a key role in their performance. Amani Hooker, Kristian Fulton, and Caleb Farley missed a combined 22 games.
All three defensive backs are capable of being key contributors. Hooker posted a PFF grade of 83.3 in 2021. Fulton allowed a completion percentage of 52.1 percent when targeted. Farley was a 2021 first-round pick, and he still has potential.
Secondly, free agent signing Sean Murphy-Bunting will make an immediate impact. He was phenomenal in coverage for the Buccaneers. Last season, he allowed an opponent passer rating of 59.6 when targeted, which was the seventh-best mark in the league.
It is reasonable to expect Tennessee’s pass defense to be near league-average this season, which would allow them to take a slight step forward as a unit.