Despite going 12-5 during the 2021 season, the Tennessee Titans were a major disappointment this year, as they won only seven games and missed the playoffs.
Their offense was a big culprit, as they were 28th in passing touchdowns and points scored and 30th in both passing yards and total yards.
On Tuesday, Tennessee took what it hopes will be a step in the right direction by promoting Tim Kelly to offensive coordinator.
From Super Bowl Live: The #Titans did what they do, promoting from within — as Tim Kelly becomes their OC. pic.twitter.com/pw6mSpS4m0
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 7, 2023
The reaction from fans was mixed.
These fans were disappointed and feel it was a lackluster hire.
YALL wanted Tim Kelly
I wanted everyone on this coaching staff fired
We not the same #titans
— 3 days until this is why (Philly SBLVII champs) (@NotBGeneus) February 7, 2023
@3HL1045 @BuckReising ..because no one wants to come to the Titans, we’re just going to have to Titan Up, suck it up, and pray like hell that Tim Kelly turns out to be the next Arthur Smith..lightning could strike twice…
— Kevin C. (@cato_kevin) February 7, 2023
This fan, on the other hand, feels Kelly will be an upgrade over Todd Downing, his predecessor at offensive coordinator.
Here’s good news, Tim Kelly has a very positive track record in his time with Davis Mills and in the Houston Texans offense. Todd Downing has basically no previously postive track record in calling an offense or developing a QB, at all. #Titans
— Howie The Titan (@howie_thetitan) February 7, 2023
Prior to this season, Kelly was the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans from 2019 to 2021.
While they weren’t an offensive juggernaut during that time, they did rank just above the league average in his first two seasons there in several key offensive categories.
Most notably, Kelly got to spend two years working with Deshaun Watson, who established himself as one of the best and most dynamic quarterbacks in the game.
In 2020, under Kelly’s tutelage, Watson put up 33 touchdown passes, a league-high 4,823 passing yards and an additional 444 yards and three scores on the ground.
This fan pointed out Kelly’s success with Houston as a reason his hire wasn’t a bad choice for Tennessee.
Titan fans need to relax Tim Kelly 3yrs as a OC were good Watson had his best yr as a pro nearly throwing for 5k yards with Kelly calling plays here’s the Texans offense from 2019 VS 2020
— Jay_5 (@j_x2tymes) February 7, 2023
The big problem the Titans currently have is their passing game, as they traded away A.J. Brown, their one threat at wide receiver, to the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason.
In addition, QB Ryan Tannehill, who made the Pro Bowl in 2019, seems to be showing his age.
The one ace up the Titans’ sleeves is running back Derrick Henry, who rebounded from a Jones fracture he suffered last season to finish with 1,538 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.
But establishing some sort of threat in the air will be the biggest key to Tennessee’s hopes of returning to the playoffs in 2023.
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