New free agency signings, a solid draft plan and much-needed contract extensions are just a few positive steps taken to improve the Titans team in the offseason.
The Titans' fanbase has been itching for improvement after being a part of a franchise that's only won 6 of its last 34 games. Especially after two lackluster performances by the starters in two preseason games against the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. Yes, both games were won by the 2nd- and 3rd-string players, but there truly wasn't much to get excited about from the Titans' starters besides the opening-drive touchdown against the 49ers. Preseason doesn't reflect a perfect picture of how the team is going to perform in the regular season, so Titans fans are ready for Robert Saleh and Cam Ward to set the tone.
In this episode of PressMan Coverage, Turron Davenport came into the studio to talk through key components of this young Titans team and gave his early prediction on a final season record.
Can Cam take the leap?
Turron kicked off the show by letting us know his realistic expectations for the Titans this season are set at a 6-11 final record. There may not be a better analogy for why a 6-11 prediction is a positive way to end the season than TD saying,
"Winning six games is a stair-step to opening the new Nissan Stadium with hopes and beliefs, true hopes and beliefs, of being AFC South champion or a wild card."
While fans may not see a 6-win season as a true victory, doubling your win total in one season is no small feat in the NFL. Six wins tells us that growth and development across the team is happening, and we can't ask for much more than that with so many new faces in the Titans building.
According to Turron Davenport, if we want to see an 8-win season, we need,
"Cam Ward managing the game. Something to be said about a game manager, and everybody looks at that and says that's a bad thing. Ryan Tannehill and the Titans, obviously got Derrick Henry... Tom Brady before he went crazy, he managed."
In a recent PressMan Coverage episode with Stoney Keeley, the PMC team looked at what it looks like for Cam Ward to be successful this season. Accuracy and dependability were the main catalysts for Cam's success in 2026. Through Daboll's development, Cam will learn to manage the overall game more effectively, and that will, in turn, open up the run game for Pollard and Spears. This is the key. When the defense begins to respect the pass against Tennessee, we'll see the trenches open up for the run game. Cam being more efficient this season will make everyone around him better.
The Offense: An Identity Shift
"I think our line is built this year to be a little bit more rugged. Bricillo and Coach Williams are building them to be, we're gonna run the freaking ball. I know everybody talks about that, but it just feels different."
- Lem Dozier
Across the entire team, there's been a noticeable shift in the culture of the players. In Week 4 last season, Houston's Azeez Al-Shaair delivered a dirty hit on Cam that was met with little to no retaliation. As Davenport and the PMC team observed in preseason joint practices, a player got near Ward and was met with Dan Moore swinging at him, ready to defend his quarterback. There was even a moment when Peter Skoronski got riled up at Bears safety Xavier Woods for a cheap hit on Wan'Dale Robinson.
Is the team being encouraged to fight and cause chaos? No. In fact, we saw the exact opposite when Jeffery Simmons swung on a player this offseason and was pulled out of practice, unlike the year prior.
Robert Saleh and his team are not only playing together more as a unit, but also holding one another accountable and raising the standards of the organization. This change is merely a spark that can shift a team's 3-14 season to that 6-11 mark in the course of one year. Every house being rebuilt has to start at the foundation. The foundation for the Tennessee Titans is the offense.
The Defense: A Question Mark
"On offense, I think our season is gonna be predicated on how well Cam handles the mundane in the process. On defense, it's gonna be all about our ability to avoid penalties down the field and our ability to get third-down stops."
The defensive strength of this team is in the trenches. The acquisition of John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson, paired with All-Pro Jeffery Simmons, is a trio that can strike fear into any offensive coordinator trying to run the ball. While depth is important, at least we know a defensive coach like Saleh will make great use of the starting front's talent.
The secondary for the Titans could be something to monitor as the season progresses. Davenport explained that the cornerback position "replaced offensive line as the most worrisome position." For example, CB Alontae Taylor has primarily been used as a nickel, but is being shifted outside in the Titans backfield. Versatility is a positive thing to have, but more depth and experience in specific positions is always ideal. Especially in cases where the Titans defense needs to be able to make big stops in 3rd-and-long situations. If the secondary can't help make stops, that will drown out the talent in the trenches. One bright spot to watch this season is rookie Anthony Hill Jr. Davenport explained to the PMC crew that his speed and ability to call plays stood out in the preseason.
A Season Filled with Purpose
Investing in the team, facility and staff is just one step towards improving this Titans football team. Success at the end of the year won't just be built on a W/L record, but on a complete shift in the culture and identity of this team. A strong foundation being built may only look like 6 wins this season, but the consistency and discipline that forged those wins will become the norm moving forward once this season is all said and done.
Catch the full episode of PressMan Coverage featuring Turron Davenport, and don't forget to like, subscribe and follow us for more Titans content coming to you weekly!
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