Corey Davis

The Train Daddy is back with sports news, life lessons and politically incorrect talk. All aboard! I say hallelujah! as we say goodbye to the dog days of summer and hello to footy football.

In the last issue I told you that this article would be 100 percent Tennessee Titan talk. It’s probably best that I get back to what I do best—talk football. I mean, it beats talking about transgender athletes! That fight remains important to me, though, and is far from over. I just prefer talking football rather than voicing my disdain over biological men competing professionally in sports with biological women. We separate men and women in sports for a reason, right? I have genuine concern about the future of female athletics. Just wait until the 2020 Olympics; I predict a transgender athlete will win a medal on the biggest stage.

This silliness that places progressive ideas and feelings over common sense, no matter the cost, is reckless. If you’re reading this and you disagree with me, don’t twist my opinion on gender and sport to have anything to do with being hateful or homophobic. It has everything to do with a fair playing field. It’s that simple. Email me at titanman1984@gmail.com if you have something to say.

I have a motto called the 5 Fs: Faith, Family, Football, Food and Friends. Live life following that motto, and it will reward you. Okay, let’s talk Titans football.

The 2019 Tennessee Titans will kick their season off Sept. 8 in Cleveland, Ohio, against the Browns. The Titans finish the month versus the Colts, then the Jags and the Falcons. Not an easy opening, but I believe in this team, truly I do. I already got my ticket for the Falcons game. It will be my first trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a wonder, I am told.

You know why I prefer pro football over college ball? First off, one loss doesn’t define your season. “Cough-cough,” Volunteers! I bleed orange, I sing “Rocky Top” in my sleep and I used to own a bluetick named Copper. I have never seen such an embarrassing loss as the Volunteers had in Knoxville to open their season. I think they should nuke Neyland stadium and just start over. They have the facilities, the recruits and a passionate fan base, so what’s wrong?

Yet here in the world of NFL football, a loss to open the season doesn’t signify the end. Nope, it signifies a loss, and then it’s onto the next week, as it should be.

Marcus Mariota and the Titans open the season against a brand-new-looking Cleveland team filled with superstar players.

Jurrell Casey. Photos courtesy titansonline.com

Protecting Marcus will be a major factor this season as the team looks to address the offensive line without the suspended Taylor Lewan. Mariota has openly stated he approves the direction this team has gone, and so do I.

Marcus has consistently thrown for over 2,500 yards in each of his four seasons with the Titans. He struggled last season with numerous injuries, yet still threw over 2,500 yards. Some big questions: Is Marcus elite? Can he stay healthy? Those two questions will be answered this season, I believe. Marcus has given a lot, and he gets more crap than he should from ignorant fans. I predict Marcus starts all 16 games and has career numbers this season.

Mariota had his best season in 2016 with 3,426 yards, 26 TDs and only 9 interceptions. I predict even better numbers in 2019; Marcus will get fans back on board with #8.

Mariota will be looking for Adam Humphries often, and early. The brand-new slot receiver was a fan favorite in Tampa Bay and will quickly become a fan favorite here in Nashville. Adam will be ideal on third-down-and-short situations.

2019 will be the comeback year for my homie Delanie Walker! Between Humphries and Walker, Marcus Mariota has no excuses in the middle of the field. These two players should make it easy. Delanie suffered a brutal ankle injury in 2018 during the season opener. Walker just turned 35. Will he return to Pro-Bowl form?

Walker stated, “I’m 35, and I am still the best tight end in the NFL.” That dude is one of my favorite players on the team. Walker and Mariota have now played together for five years. From 2015 to 2017, Mariota’s first three seasons in the league, no other pass catcher came close to the 346 targets, and 2,695 yards Walker had. A productive Walker may be the most important piece to the puzzle for Marcus to be successful.

Corey Davis will become a superstar this season. I am going to be honest; I am pumped about this kid. He is a true number-one receiver, a fantasy football stud and a household name. The fifth overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft is poised for a breakout. Davis doubled his receiving yards last season with 891 yards and 4 TDs on 65 catches. This kid is humble and soft-spoken, almost shy, when talking to the media. He’s not your typical Antonio Brown diva type that so many NFL wideouts are. I believe Corey will have over 1,000 yards receiving this season.

Even the man once called Ochocinco has gotten on board, calling Davis a “monster . . . I like his game a lot.” Chad Johnson is sending praise. I truly believe Corey Davis will be the breakout star this season on the offensive side of the ball.

Kevin Byard

Probably the most talked about player nationally on the team, aside from Marcus, is running back Derrick Henry. This former Heisman winner broke out in 2018, rushing for over 1,000 yards.

Henry has been dealing with some injuries. He strained a calf muscle in training camp and didn’t participate in any pre-season games. By his account he is currently healthy and ready to go. I hope Coach Vrabel learned a lesson watching Henry pound the ball last December. Feed that beast! After Henry backed up DeMarco Murray his first two seasons, it’s time for Henry to step up and become a top-five running back in this league.

I am excited about the defense, but being honest, I am not sure. I have no clue how this unit will look come game day. A lot of people have high hopes for Harold Landry. Since Orakpo and Morgan retired this off-season, Landry should become a pass rushing machine . . . at least, I hope.

Last season as a rookie with limited play, Landry racked up 44 tackles and 4.5 sacks in only three games. Impressive. He has put on muscle and experience. Landry is quick and athletic, and once recorded 16.5 sacks in a season at Boston College. Is he the next Jevon Kearse?

I won’t say much about Malcolm Butler other than he absolutely must play better. The Titans gave the former Patriot a five-year, $61 million deal last season to be the star corner, and that didn’t pan out. Butler now has a full year on this defense and is expected to play like they paid him to play.

“It’s a new year, a new season and a new me. I’m ready to play,” Butler said. He also stated, “I know Nashville and I know hot chicken.”

How can we not mention Kevin Byard? He’s probably the best safety in the league! Byard has led the entire league in interceptions the past two seasons and just signed the richest contract in NFL history for a safety. Yet, as always, the Titans get overlooked. ESPN came out with the Top 100 players of 2018 list, and Byard wasn’t on it. Two of ESPN’s own experts called it “ridiculous” and “egregious,” considering Byard is one of only two players with 100 tackles and 10 interceptions over the past two seasons. NFL does a Top 100 based on votes by players. Derrick Henry, Jurrell Casey and Taylor Lewan all made the cut.

Jurrell Casey needs no introduction. He is a beast D-tackle and a four-time-straight Pro Bowl player. He is back from an injury and is much needed. Truly a captain in his own right, this man is quietly one of the most important pieces to this team.

I could have talked about at least 10 more players, but I will end it here!

That’s it, the Train Daddy is rolling into the station. As always, live life following my motto, Faith, Family, Football, Food and Friends! Let’s go, Titans! I love this team and the memories made throughout the 20 years watching you. I will always remain loyal. I will see you in Atlanta—I already got my ticket. Choo-choo!