Today, “Football Numbers” examines the stats behind the Tennessee Titans 2013 season and what they need to do going forward. “Football Numbers” examines the compelling numbers in the NFL. Follow the column on Twitter @nflnumbers
2
Number of Titans defenders that had multiple interceptions. One of these players, corner Alterraun Verner, had five picks and earned Pro Bowl honors—only to leave for Tampa Bay in free agency. Unfortunately for Tennessee, the market for secondary players has pretty much dried up, especially after Arizona signed Antonio Cromartie. The best available corners include Terrell Thomas, Carlos Rogers, and Asante Samuel, but none of those guys would be an upgrade over Verner. Don’t be surprised if the Titans go after Darqueze Dennard or Jason Verrett in the first round of the draft to fill the void left by Verner.
2
Number of games in the 2013 regular season in which Chris Johnson, formerly known as CJ2K, rushed for over 100 yards. While Johnson did manage to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark (barely), it seems that his glory days in Tennessee are over. Rumors of the Titans dealing Johnson are rampant, and really, it would be the best plan of action for Tennessee. Holding on to an aging, underachieving back won’t help a team that is trying to rebuild. There are several teams that are in the mix for a veteran running back, including Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Denver. Johnson could probably be traded for a third or fourth round pick.
11
Most number of games that Jake Locker has played in one season over the course of his three-year career. Locker shows flashes at times, but until he plays an entire season, the Titans won’t really know what they have with the University of Washington product. And with Ryan Fitzpatrick no longer in Tennessee after signing with division rival Houston, the Titans will either have to hope for the best with Locker or look to the draft. New coach Ken Whisenhunt is one of the league’s best offensive minds; maybe he can work some magic with the promising but unproven Locker.
7.7
The Titans’ punt return average in 2013, good for 24th in the league. The addition of former Chief Dexter McCluster is almost sure to improve this poor figure. In fact, the signing of McCluster has been one of the most underrated moves of free agency so far. Not only is McCluster a return ace, but he’s pretty solid in the passing game as well, catching 53 balls for 511 yards and two scores last season. McCluster will join an already solid receiving corps of Kendall Wright, Nate Washington, and Kendall Hunter.
6
Number of years that newly acquired linebacker Wesley Woodyard has been a team captain in the NFL—the same number of years he’s been in the league. The former Bronco has great leadership qualities, and should help to improve a Tennessee defense that ranked middle-of-the-pack in most major statistical categories last season. Woodyard joins a defensive unit that already has veterans Bernard Pollard, Michael Griffin, Kamerion Wimbley, and George Wilson. If the Titans are going to make strides in 2014, it will come from an improved defense thanks to the addition of Woodyard.
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