The Titans ranked 25th in rushing a year ago, but they're looking to change that. They traded for DeMarco Murray and drafted Derrick Henry in the second round. They're going to be a smashmouth (exotic smashmouth, whatever that means) offense in 2016.
"I'll hand the ball off 40 times a game if we win games," said Marcus Mariota. So although the team has a talented young second-year passer, it's probably best to proceed with caution with the team's passing game.
Then again, keep in mind that Tennessee has to prove it's able to run the ball. The offensive line might not be good enough (Tennessee averaged 4.0 yards per carry last year, a figure that would be much lower if you subtract Mariota's own 7.4 yards per attempt). And as for the running backs, Murray needs to prove he can thrive outside of Dallas after flopping with the Eagles. Henry needs to prove he can cut it apart from Alabama's system.
Tennessee's wideouts look a little suspect. Kendall Wright, Rishard Matthews, Dorial Green-Beckham, Harry Douglas. Is any of these guys a No. 1? Green-Beckham was playing behind rookie Tajae Sharpe in camp -- maybe a motivational tactic, maybe reality. Wright has dealt with injuries the last two seasons. Matthews looks like the sleeper, a possibility to be the team's best player at the position after emerging in Miami a year ago. But it's a thin resume there, and he's playing in a new offense.
In any case, Tennessee won't run the ball 40 times a game. But it could be a run-heavy approach, working against the appeal of the passing game.
--Andy Richardson