Coming into the 2017 season, DeMarco Murray and Corey Davis looked to be fixtures in an exciting Tennessee Titans offense. Both have struggled this season, mostly because of injury. But here’s why the offense will be okay.
Even Banged Up, Tennessee Titans Offense Will Be Okay
Last season, Murray was one of the best off-season acquisitions as he looked like the player he was in 2014 with 1,845 rush yards. Thus far in 2017 he has struggled with just 69 rushing yards and has been slowed by a hamstring injury. The bell cow of this offense a season ago looks like he will be spelled more often this season, especially with Derrick Henry shining against Jacksonville on Sunday.
The second year pro from Alabama looked like he was running for the Tide once again as he found pay dirt from 17 yards out. He carried the ball 17 times for 92 yards. The 6’3″, 250 pound bruising back has averaged 5.9 yards a carry through two games.
Murray doesn’t seem to have been in the league for a long time but he is quickly approaching the running back expiration date at 29 years old, as he will be 30 before the start of next season. So getting the former Heisman Trophy winner going is crucial for the Titans, and he looks to be up to the task of being a number one back if need be.
Now for Davis, he was slowed down in camp by a hamstring injury as well. At Western Michigan, he was absolutely electric as he made big play after big play to merit his fifth overall selection in the draft. He was nicked up in camp and seemed to re-aggravate the injury in the game against the Raiders. After catching six passes for 69 yards against Oakland he was limited to just one catch for four yards in Jacksonville.
But Here’s Why the Titans Are Still in Good Shape
Even if both Murray and Davis are not 100 percent now or even for the rest of the season, Titans fans have no need to panic. First, they have the best quarterback in the division in Marcus Mariota. Andrew Luck is for the moment out of commission and there is no estimate for when he will return. Deshaun Watson was okay in his first start and Blake Bortles is still terrible.
Second, with the depth that the Titans have, they can afford Murray and Davis to take a lesser role to get healthy and not have to rush back. Henry is a suitable number one back and even Jalston Fowler scored on the ground on Sunday. Decker and Rishard Matthews are both solid receivers and with Delanie Walker at tight end there are targets for Mariota.
Both Murray and Davis are considered week-to-week. However, I would not be surprised if neither was fully healthy at any point this season as hamstrings can be tricky to recover from. But even if they don’t get to 100 percent at any point this season the Titans will still be able to score points and compete in the AFC South.
