Last season, the Tennessee Titans had yet another underwhelming season. While the offense saw progress under rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota, the team still finished with a 3-13 record, tied for worst in the entire NFL.
While the team was less than stellar in 2016, they made several improvements in the offseason that should help turn their franchise in the right direction. One of their offseason improvements was the signing of receiver Rishard Matthews, a player who should play a key role within the Titans offense in 2016.
Rishard Matthews Ready for Breakout 2016
Last season, Matthews had a career year as a member of the Miami Dolphins. Matthews racked up over 650 receiving yards in 11 games with an average of over 15 yards per reception. Matthews also saw a career high 61 targets last year to go along with four touchdowns. As the number one outside receiver on the roster, Matthews was one of the best playmakers on the Dolphins other than Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry. With Landry in the slot for a majority of the snaps, Matthews actually paired up against the opposition’s top cornerback for most of the game. While an unproven receiver would typically struggle in such a role, Matthews embraced it. The fact that he was able to put up such solid numbers against the great corners in the AFC East like Darrelle Revis and Malcolm Butler will be something to consider when it comes to his production for the Titans.
Injuries
Last season, Matthews likely could have had far more receiving yards had it not been for a ribs injury he suffered in Week 12. After suffering multiple fractured ribs against the New York Jets, Matthews was placed on the injured reserve, effectively ending his career year. While that is the full extent of Matthews’ NFL injury history, he has also dealt with off-field issues in his career. In the 2014 NFL season, the then-third year receiver had his season ended one game early, when he was suspended for off-field conduct. While that was his only suspension resulting from his off-field actions, Matthews had a history of disagreements with Dolphins management. Prior to last season, Matthews skipped the Dolphins voluntary workouts and wanted to be either traded or released after the Dolphins drafted DeVante Parker in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. While these issues were with the Dolphins, it will still be something to keep in mind if any issues between Matthews and Titans management arise.
Route Running
While Matthews is not one of the more athletically dominant receivers in the NFL, he possesses an uncanny route running ability that has been essential to his success in his career. Pair that solid route running with great hands and an above average run after the catch ability, Matthews should be one of the most efficient receivers on the Titans in 2016.
With a season under his belt, quarterback Marcus Mariota should be even better than he was in 2015, and can be seen as an improvement at the quarterback position for Matthews, who had Ryan Tannehill as his quarterback on the Dolphins. The rest of the AFC South must be on watch for the rise of Rishard Matthews in 2016.
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