Titans running back Derrick Henry sported Kobe Bryant’s numbers in tribute to the basketball star who died in January 2020
The Train Daddy is back with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! The football season is officially over. What is it that I always say about time? It simply moves way too fast. Don’t worry though, with the end of football comes new life in the spring and, before you know it, we kick off again.
I am going to use this month’s article to break down the Titans’ possible future and an amazing season, from 2–4 all the way to the AFC Championship game!
I love this team and I dream about winning a championship! It’s so much more than bragging rights or the game of football. For myself, my family, my friends, Titans football is about the old memories, creating new memories, and straight-up loyalty. I became a superfan in 1998 when I was 14 years old, and now I am watching the kids in my life become Titans fans. We remember those who have passed; The Me-Ma and Mr. B, we miss you. Titan up!
Typically, this time of year with the end of football comes my next favorite topic, the Nashville Predators. Nashville fans have become so accustomed to this team making the playoffs that it may come as a shock to the bandwagon fans, but this Predators team is in trouble. They need a big momentum swing if they want to squeak into the postseason. So, for the sake of my article in the next issue, have a good February, Nashville Predators.
Alright, let’s talk Titans!
It’s no secret I am deeply passionate about the Tennessee Titans franchise, maybe a little biased but absolutely a realist. I call a turd a turd even when I wish it was a rose. And prior to Coach Vrabel the Titans were continually laying turds. Coach Munchak, Whisenhunt and Mularkey—three big stanky turds! Although a shout-out goes to Coach Mularkey for winning a playoff game in Arrowhead in 2017. And then getting fired. The irony, right? The move was controversial at the time, but we move on!
Tennessee fans should be nothing but thrilled with how this season ended. From a 2–4 start to a showdown in Arrowhead against the Chiefs with a Super Bowl trip on the line. The Titans finished the regular season on a 7–3 run and then slammed the door on a dynasty with a wildcard win in Foxborough. They did what most said was impossible and defeated the so-called best team in the NFL (the Ravens) in their house on national TV.
The loss to Kansas City put me in a two-day stupor, yet even as those last seconds ticked away in the AFC championship game, I knew I was no-regrets proud of what this team had accomplished.
During the recent NFL Honors award ceremony, a few Titans players won big. Ryan Tannehill won the Comeback Player of the Year. That award was the tightest race as Ryan edged out Jimmy G. by just one vote. That award seemed to upset the majority of NFL fans. My reply would be: Titan up!
The NFL’s 2019 rushing leader, Derrick Henry, was awarded the FedEx Ground Player of the Year, edging out Nick Chubb and McCaffery. Henry rushed for 1,540 yards and 16 TDs in the regular season and added a ridiculous 446 yards and 2 TDs in three playoff games.
The sensational Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown was one of three finalists for Rookie of the Year. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray took home the award. Ironically, most people were surprised Raiders running back Josh Jacobs didn’t win the award over Murray. An argument can be made that Brown as a receiver and Jacobs as a back were superior to most players in the league at their given position, when Kyler Murray was just above average compared to other QBs and leading the Cardinals to a 5-10-1 record.
A.J. Brown
Regardless, it was a good night for Tennessee finally getting some national recognition. And with that we look to the future. Some big decisions loom with Tannehill and Henry set to hit free agency. Can the Titans appease both players and bring them back without breaking the bank?
I won’t get crazy with speculation, because whatever happens will happen, but let me give you a little insight. I have no doubt the organization wants Henry and Tannehill both in Titans colors next season and, more importantly, so do both players and the fans.
How do the Titans accomplish this? I think first you try and sign both to long-term deals without breaking the bank. Tannehill deserves a fair deal. Henry can’t get paid Zeke Elliot money, and the Titans would be ill-advised to give the 26-year-old RB a contract that would extend past the age of 30. But Henry is the heart and soul of this team, and above all else you must bring him back. If problems arise, the Titans have options with the franchise tags.
The franchise tag would put a player like Henry at about $13 million next season, and that’s less per year than Henry would be looking for in a long-term deal. As Henry recently stated, “I’d love to be a Titan for the rest of my career. Love this organization, love this team, love everybody, love the fans, love the city.” He also told Rich Eisen as far as a contract is concerned Zeke’s contract would be the floor.
I think Henry realizes he has to say that, or he would be selling himself short. He wants and deserves to get paid. Some experts would say to give a running back a max deal isn’t smart in today’s NFL, and I fully agree. Running backs don’t win championships, yet I wouldn’t put it past King Henry if he was even better next season, and for that anyone would pay.
The Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliot recently received $90 million over 6 years, with $50 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid back in the NFL. Derrick Henry’s age and lack in the passing game won’t allow a team to match that. I see it possible that Henry gets a shorter-term deal that still makes him the highest-paid annually.
I believe if the Titans plan on giving Ryan Tannehill a deal it will be a simpler proposition than signing Henry. I think Ryan knows about where his pay should be, and I think the Titans have no problem paying it. I imagine Ryan is thrilled to even be in this situation. He won’t get paid Rodgers or Wilson money, but he will get an above-average deal probably filled with enticing incentives.
Tannehill missed five games in 2018 due to a shoulder injury and was traded from Miami to be a backup in Tennessee. The Titans gave Mariota every opportunity to seize this team as his, and yet in Week 6 he was benched. Tannehill and the Titans never looked back!
Tannehill produced a 7–3 record 2,742 passing yards, 22 TDs and 6 INTs in only 10 games, not to mention road playoff wins in New England and Baltimore. Tannehill also led the NFL with a 117.5 passer rating.
If Coach Vrabel wants an offense that comes into 2020 feeling confident and ready to score, he must bring the duo back! Unless he wants to get crazy and sign Tom Brady for a season. Just throwing out this crazy notion because I am still bitter to this day that the Titans were unable to coax Peyton Manning into finishing his career here. Instead the Titans settled for Jake freaking Locker! It wasn’t the Titans’ fault, Bud Adams offered Peyton everything in 2012. Manning went on to win a Super Bowl in Denver where the Broncos had a superior defense compared to Tennessee at the time. One of Bud Adams’ last acts before passing away at 90 was firing team executive Mike Reinfeld for not closing the deal with Peyton.
Enough projections and whining about the past. I have the capabilities to ramble all day and night about this team.
As I end this article let me say this: rest in peace, Kobe. Your play and attitude inspired me, bro! Such a sad event, Kobe and his daughter and seven others passing away like that. Take nothing for granted. Enjoy life, hold family close and be positive. Life can change in an instant. I have never been a huge basketball fan, but I respect greatness.
Let’s wrap this article up! Winter will be ending, and spring will be upon us before you know it. So, get into shape. Some people want to tell you “fat is beautiful” but those people are lying to you! Fat is fat and unhealthy is unhealthy. So, go for a hike, ride a bike, plant a garden, throw a ball, dig a hole, run a marathon, play disc golf, or have a backyard wrestling royal rumble, whatever.
Just be active and your heart will thank you. I want to live as long as possible. I threw out all fast food. I lift. I don’t eat food at night and I only put healthy snacks into my body now. I haven’t made a wiser decision in my entire life. I started at 269 pounds in April 2019. Nine months later I currently weigh 190 pounds. Get some! I would never shame anyone but if I am being honest, I made this decision because some people shamed me, and I salute those people. Thank you! Harsh criticism can be an invaluable motivator to better yourself. It blows my mind how easy this process was for me, when nine months ago it seemed impossible. America has a major obesity problem, and physical activity and a clean diet should be preached around the country.
That’s it, the Train is rolling into the station! Live your life following my motto and it will reward you—the 5 Fs, Faith, Family, Friends, Football and Food. Thank you to my loyal readers and the haters! Keep on reading. Choo-choo!
