The 2021 postseason ended in heartbreak for Tennessee Titans fans.
They watched as the team lost on their home field with a last-second field goal by the Bengals.
After having the number one seed in the AFC, they lost in the first game they played.
However, the team hopes for a Super Bowl run in 2022.
But is the team a Super Bowl contender for 2022?
Derrick Henry And Ryan Tannehill Shoulder Huge Burden For 2022
These two players were key in the offensive production of the team.
However, Henry suffered an injury during a game against their division rival, the Colts.
Indy didn’t lose to a “Derrick Henry-less” Titans team. He played in both games. He was injured late in second half against the Colts in the second game between the teams.
— Derek Elsrod (@derekels) December 21, 2021
While his injury was thought to be a season-ending foot injury, he recovered in time for the NFL playoffs.
With his recovery, many hoped to see him dominate in his return.
However, he rushed for 62 yards on 20 carries in the playoff game.
If Tennessee wants to play in the Super Bowl this season, they need Henry back at 100%.
They also need their quarterback to play his best season ever.
During the teams’ playoff game, he threw three interceptions, including a costly one that give the Bengals the game.
However, that interception wasn’t his fault, as the ball was knocked from his receiver’s hands.
The other two interceptions fell on him.
If Tannehill wants to make his first Super Bowl appearance for Tennessee, he can’t make those costly mistakes.
Titans Defense Will Need Work For Super Bowl Hopes
The Titans’ defense in 2021 was pretty impressive.
They ranked sixth in defense for the year.
And please, do not use “the Steelers have a better defense” as the titans were ranked 6th last season in defense and the Steelers were at 20
— Jacob Hunsaker (@Hunsaker_15) April 11, 2022
Tennessee also ranked 12th in total yards allowed with 5,607 in 2021.
However, those yards allowed came on mostly passing plays.
They were 25th in passing yards allowed, something that will hurt them against passing teams in the playoffs.
With Joe Burrow, Derek Carr, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, and Patrick Mahomes in the AFC, the defense will have trouble.
The bad news for Tennessee is they didn’t address their issues with the pass defense.
While their run defense was second in 2021, they couldn’t keep quarterbacks in check.
In games with teams like the Jets, they allowed nearly 300 passing yards, allowing the Jets to win.
Without help, the Titans’ 2022 Super Bowl chances look slim.
Here’s Why The Titans Don’t Make The Super Bowl
Tannehill didn’t look as good in 2021 as he was in 2020.
He threw 12 less touchdown passes, had 85 less passing yards, and seven more interceptions.
That all happened with him playing one more game compared to 2020.
It also means he’s set for regression in 2022.
Henry also could regress after coming off his foot surgery.
Any injury can degrade a player’s ability on the football field.
Without those two at the top of their game, the Titans’ offense will suffer.
They also are without veteran receiver Julio Jones.
Also, the team is dealing with a potential holdout from A.J. Brown in 2022.
With Brown and the Titans at odds over a new contract, their offense won’t be the same if he doesn’t play.
These things, plus no improvements with the secondary, signal a down year for Tennessee in 2022.
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