Kansas City Chiefs: Ranking 2021 AFC playoff teams
By Chris Clark
Kansas City Chiefs: Ranking 2021 AFC playoff teams
4. Tennessee Titans
On a lot of Sundays, there seem to be two different species – Derrick Henry and all the others that he allows to exist. The way he so easily tosses would-be defenders makes him look like a man among men. That’s likely what most fans think of when they think of the Tennessee Titans, but this team is more than just Henry mowing over opposing defenses.
Not only does Henry look absolutely dominant, but quarterback Ryan Tannehill is no slouch either. When he’s connecting with receivers like A.J. Brown or Corey Coleman, he’s looking like the quarterback that he was meant to be.
The slow start to Tannehill’s career in Miami has likely somewhat tarnished his image, but he’s looking like a very solid passer. After tossing 33 touchdowns this season, opposing teams should know that it’s not just the Henry show.
What hurts Tennessee and their hopes for a really deep playoff run is their 28th ranked defense. Interestingly, the defensive-minded head coach Mike Vrabel hasn’t seemed to put that part of his team together this season.
Giving up over 27 points per game is not what any coach wants when heading into the postseason. Fortunately for him, his team’s offense has the ability to keep opposing offenses off of the field and even come up big when it matters most.
During last Sunday’s season finale in Houston, it looked like the Texans and Titans might be headed into overtime with under half a minute to go. That’s when Tannehill launched a big-time throw to Brown to put them within field goal range.
A last second kick gave the Titans a 41-38 win, which secured the AFC South title and gave them some solid momentum headed into the postseason. After advancing to the AFC championship last season, that experience will make this team tough to overcome in the playoffs.