Ryan Tannehill has singlehandedly saved the Tennessee Titans season. The Titans had a horrific 0-16 week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos. Starting quarterback Marcus Mariota finally got benched, and Tennehill stepped in. He was unable to get anything going, but head coach Mike Vrabel saw something good in that loss. In their next game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Vrabel gave Tannehill the keys to the offense and the Titans haven’t looked back.
Since taking over as the starter, Tannehill has one of the best QBR in the league (117.5) and, if given a full season, was on pace for career highs in yards and touchdowns (2,742 and 22). The Titans went 7-3 with Tannehill under center, including a 4 game win streak that started with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Including the game Tannehill came in for Mariota, the Titans were 2-4 before officially making the switch.
The switch was somewhat of a gamble for Vrabel. Tannehill came in as the assumed backup and didn’t really put up a fight in trying to get the starting job. Tannehill was somewhat wasted in Miami. Besides the injuries, the entire Dolphin organization is just not ran well. The talent has always been there for Tannehill, but the front office or any of his coaches could not put together a gameplay that took advantage of Tannehill’s strengths. He has a great arm, is mobile and thinks quick on his feet.
As for Mariota, the former second overall pick will most likely fade into the background and become a bust. The Titans were consistently average with Mariota under center. A 9-7 record has been achieved by the Titans in the past and once resulted in a playoff appearance. But what is the difference now? Tannehill is a more reliable quarterback than Mariota. This 9-7 just feels different compared to previous years. The Titans were able to string together some good wins and play at a good level. The only problem moving forward is Tannehill’s age. At 31, he may be a little old to be a long term option for the Titans, but it doesn’t hurt to have him around for a few more years.
Is the Titan’s success sustainable? Possibly. Their Wild Card matchup, the New England Patriots, lost to the lowly Dolphins at home. Tom Brady has not been playing well recently and there are no other playmakers on offense. If the Titans can score at least 24 points, they may have a chance. Regardless of what happens this Saturday, Ryan Tannehill was able to bring a bit of hope to the city of Nashville.
